President Ali says focus on better waste disposal, sewage systems needed

President Dr. Irfaan Ali says his government is keen on addressing the issue of improper waste disposal and there is at least one foreign company hoping to work with the government to do just that.

“Waste disposal must be addressed in the 2024 budget and going forward,” the President said in a year-end interview with the News Room.

He said a new solid waste system is needed in Georgetown and other major municipalities, noting that Guyana needs more modern sewer systems all across the country.

And he said any venture to improve waste disposal in Guyana would be a necessary investment.

Already, at least one overseas investor is keen on working with the government to convert solid waste (garbage) into energy.

President Ali said a local team is examining an investor proposal to convert the waste from the Mandela dump site into energy, petroleum products and other products.

If this project goes ahead, the President said the venture would not cost Guyana a cent and would prove very beneficial.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ali opined that more robust education campaigns are needed to help encourage people to dispose of their waste better. He also alluded to the government potentially increasing fines for the improper disposal of waste.