-Minister Parag says

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, on Thursday said that budgeted allocations would cater for the implementation of measures that will help reduce the stench at the Haags Bosch landfill, East Bank Demerara.

The minister made this disclosure as the Parliamentary Committee of Supply scrutinised the allocations for her ministry as consideration of estimates and expenditures continued.

During the day’s proceedings, Opposition member Ganesh Mahipaul enquired as to how much money would be allocated for the landfill.

Minister Parag then informed him that the allocation for this year was increased to some $400 million compared to the $300 million that was set aside in last year’s budget. She noted that the government is ensuring that it continues to develop the landfill sites.

Though he expressed that he was happy with the response provided by the minister, Mahipaul then questioned if as part of this, some measures will be taken to stop or reduce the smell emanating from the landfill, which he said affects residents as far as Farm on the East Bank of Demerara.

Further to this, Parag indicated that the government is and will be taking care of all Guyanese, including those who are affected by the smell from the Haags Bosch landfill.

She added, “We are building more cells at the Haags Bosch as well as the operational systems.”

Additionally, the minister revealed that as part of the sum of $1.3 billion that he enquired about, funds have been set aside to cater for some 14 more landfill sites as she further indicated that the government since 2020 has worked hard and is committed to ensuring that there is proper waste removal across the board.