—major upgrades to roads, drains, community spaces and heritage sites underway across capital

THE Government of Guyana is pushing ahead with a series of infrastructure, community and heritage development projects aimed at transforming Georgetown into a cleaner, safer and more family-friendly capital city.
This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, who, while speaking on the Starting Point podcast, said the People’s Progressive Party Civic [PPP/C] administration is stepping in to address years of neglect affecting community grounds, open spaces, drainage systems and other public facilities across the city.
“We want to manage Georgetown, we want to make Georgetown clean, we want to make Georgetown a friendly space, but we want a Georgetown that every single Guyanese can be proud of,” Jacobs said.
He noted that while many open spaces and community grounds are managed by the Mayor and City Council, the government has decided to take a leading role in improving infrastructure and public amenities.
“We are taking the role and the lead in making sure that these community facilities are something that every single person can be proud of, and that families can go and they can relax, and they can just have quality family time,” the minister stated.
Jacobs highlighted several projects already underway across the capital, including road rehabilitation works, the clearing and maintenance of the city cemetery, and plans for the construction of concrete drains throughout Georgetown.
He also spoke on the recently completed Aubrey Barker Road project, saying the development has already improved the surrounding community and increased property values along the corridor.
“Now, if you drive past there, a beautifully paved road, the net value of the houses along that stretch went up significantly,” Jacobs said.
According to the minister, the government’s broader vision is to modernise Georgetown while preserving its historical identity and cultural significance.
“When people come to this country, they want to understand the historical fabric and texture of this city, and we want to have that on full display,” he said.
Jacobs disclosed that the government is also working with The King’s Foundation as part of efforts to support the city’s transformation and heritage preservation initiatives.
Further to this, he outlined redevelopment plans for Tiger Bay and East La Penitence, which include upgraded drainage systems, recreational facilities, murals, walkways and cycle lanes.
“It’s a transformation of the entire Georgetown,” Jacobs said.