OVER the years, the impact of improper solid waste management has evolved into a critical environmental problem in Georgetown, becoming more acute over time, creating unpleasant aesthetic conditions, and threatening the health of the urban population.

Although the problem prevails, the drive to conquer it has seemingly dwindled at the level of the powers-that-be. It would seem that most of the strongest advocates for proper waste management have lost their zeal to confront the problem, leading to a situation where a team, comprising members of the Diplomatic Corps, led by the United States Ambassador, Mr. D. Brent Hardt, spearheaded a passionate and energetic drive during last year, with the aim of mobilizing city dwellers to take the initiative to keep the city clean.
Touted as the ‘Pick It Up’ Campaign, that initiative started with schools across the city, and moved to encompass specific communities as well. The embassy visited schools, sensitized the youth population, established a physical presence, and provided cleaning materials to get the job done.
Regrettably, the experience was that members of the respective communities rarely came out to play their part in the cleaning activities; most of the persons cleaning invariably comprised volunteers invited by the diplomatic delegation. Hence, it was concluded that the energy and drive to ‘clean up the city’ had waned.

Major issue
Waste disposal in Georgetown has been a major issue for many years, particularly after the January 2005 Flood, during which the negative impact was felt strongest.
Because of improper waste disposal practices, drainage canals were heavily clogged with solid waste of every conceivable kind, not least Styrofoam boxes and cups, plastic bags and other poly-based matter.
Because of the heavy buildup of garbage and improperly disposed sludge, sluices and outfall channels were blocked, severely aggravating the water accumulation on the land; and that situation continued throughout the period of the flood.
Over the last few years, solid waste management in the city has deteriorated, to the point where almost every street is lined with waste, and their corners decorated with a garbage heap.
In several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), waste is not collected, forcing residents to burn or bury it, or dump it in vacant lots, along roadsides, and in drainage canals.
Our public buildings and national monuments have not been spared; every facet of our society has been affected by the improper management of solid waste in the city.
The glaring garbage situation in Georgetown has been blamed on everything, from corrupt practices at City Hall, to the insensitivity of urban businessmen, and the indifference of the private sector to the inefficiency of solid waste collection and disposal regime.
Whatever the case might be, it is obvious that there is a problem; and that everyone should do their part in resolving it.

Cabinet’s commitment
Last August, Cabinet approved US$185,000 (about G$37M) for the acquisition of 827 waste disposal bins in an effort to strengthen the capacity of the 15 NDCs in Region Four and the Georgetown Municipality to better provide solid waste management.
The purchase of these bins was funded under the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme, a project financed by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and aimed at addressing the issue of littering around Region Four.
The project is responsible for construction and full implementation of the Haags Bosch Landfill site, a Master Plan for waste management, and training of public and private entities in the waste management sector.
Through this programme, a US$20M loan was extended by the IDB’s Fund for Special Operations in 2006 (US$18 million at first, and later an additional US$2 million was approved by the IDB Board of Directors in 2010).
But while the Haags Bosch Landfill site, put in place to take off the garbage created in the city, continues to perform the function for which it was intended, unless there is a regular and sustained process of garbage collection and disposal, coupled with the energy and drive to get the job done, an imminent threat of outbreak of illnesses in the city looms large.