THE 2024 Auditor General’s Report has confirmed that the Government of Guyana invested a substantial $1 billion into municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) last year.
This allocation supported community-level development, while ensuring that regional bodies remained equipped to deliver key services to citizens.
According to the Appropriation Accounts, the entire $1 billion approved for subventions and grants was fully expended by December 31, 2024. The report shows that $723.221 million was channelled to 70 NDCs, while $276.779 million went to nine Town Councils, covering every Local Democratic Organ across the country.
The Auditor General (AG) noted that this consistent financing allows councils to execute core responsibilities such as drainage upgrades, waste management, market rehabilitation and other community services.
The report further documented that, in addition to the broad national allocation, a total of $160.185 million was transferred directly to municipalities during 2024. Beneficiary
municipalities included Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Linden, Anna Regina, Rose Hall, Bartica, Lethem, Corriverton, Mabaruma, and Mahdia. The transfers form part of the government’s annual support package intended to bolster local operations and strengthen administrative capacity.
At the same time, the Auditor General highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly the timely preparation and submission of financial statements.
Several municipalities continue to have outstanding audits, with some accounting records dating back several years. The AG reiterated that the Municipal and District Councils Act requires councils to prepare annual statements no later than four months after the close of the financial year.
The Local Government Ministry, in its response, acknowledged the findings and said it would continue to urge municipal officials to comply with statutory reporting obligations. The report stated that improved co-operation from the councils is needed to allow the Audit Office to complete outstanding examinations in keeping with the law.
Additionally, the Auditor General recommended that the Head of the Budget Agency strengthen follow-up actions with municipalities and NDCs, to ensure that proper and complete financial statements are submitted for audit.
The AG indicated that such compliance is essential for maintaining consistent oversight and ensuring that funds transferred to local bodies are accounted for accurately.
Overall, the 2024 report provided the latest snapshot of the financial relationship between central government and Local Democratic Organs, confirming the full disbursement of the $1 billion allocation, while outlining steps required to improve administrative performance within municipal bodies.