— says cleaner communities, better waste management and responsive local councils central to improving daily life

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, says reliable garbage collection, cleaner communities and properly developed recreational spaces are among the government’s priorities as it seeks to improve the quality of life of Guyanese.
Speaking during the Guyana Dialogue, Manickchand said improving communities goes beyond major infrastructural projects and requires attention to everyday services that directly affect residents.
“This ministry in particular must make sure that our communities, neighbourhoods, capital city, and other towns are clean, habitable, orderly,” she said.
According to the minister, this requires properly maintained drainage, reliable waste collection and systems to ensure garbage is ultimately disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
“A lot of what we hear in communities is really, you know, people are relatively happy except for some of these annoying things that happen to them. Their garbage isn’t picked up. It’s scattered all over the street. The place starts smelling poorly. Animals are hurt,” Manickchand said.
She noted that while these issues may appear routine, they can have a significant impact on residents’ daily lives.
Manickchand stressed, however, that infrastructure and services alone will not solve problems associated with littering and poor waste-management practices.
She said residents also have a responsibility to change their habits, but argued that people are more likely to do so when public services are consistent and predictable.
According to her, when residents know when their garbage will be collected and have access to appropriate bins, they are more likely to properly dispose of their waste.
“And if people believe that, then I think people themselves begin to change out their own attitudes, of course, with the ad campaigns and so on,” she said.
CHANGING HABITS
Manickchand pointed to the Stabroek Market as an example of changing behaviour following improvements in garbage collection.
She recalled that when she first assumed office, between 50 and 70 large bags of garbage were being dumped in one area of the market.
“When I first came into office, we were getting 50 to 70 large, I mean, massive… jumbo garbage bags of garbage in just one area. Now we get one or two because people are using the bins,” she said.
Manickchand attributed the reduction, in part, to ensuring that bins are emptied regularly.
“And once they’re emptied on time and so on. So, I can see attitudes changing out,” she said.
The minister acknowledged that some individuals will continue to disregard the rules, but maintained that consistent public services can encourage better practices among the wider population.
She also highlighted the role children and young people can play in changing attitudes towards littering and environmental responsibility.
“I’ve also seen children drive change,” Manickchand said, noting that children sometimes challenge adults, including their parents, about improper garbage disposal.
She said schools also play an important role in teaching children about littering, manners and responsible citizenship.
RECREATIONAL SPACES
Manickchand identified the development of recreational spaces as another component of the government’s quality-of-life agenda.
“We want to make sure there are recreation areas that are properly developed and well thought out in all communities,” she said.
According to the minister, the intention is to provide communities with green spaces that also accommodate exercise, recreation and family activities.
Plans include outdoor gyms, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, picnic areas and walking tracks.
“We have 70 NDCs across the country,” Manickchand said, referring to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
She said the aim is to make recreational opportunities available across villages and towns rather than concentrating them in a limited number of locations.
The initiative is being pursued in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
Manickchand said these facilities are intended to provide residents with safe spaces to exercise, spend time with their families and participate in outdoor activities.
RESPONSIVE COUNCILS
The minister also stressed the need for local government bodies to be more responsive to residents.
She acknowledged that some residents do not believe their NDCs are functioning as effectively as they should.
“I’m not saying they don’t,” Manickchand said. “I’m saying people don’t feel like they do.”
She said the government wants to ensure elected councils function in the interests of the communities they represent.
Manickchand noted that stipends for councillors and overseers have been increased, but said municipalities and NDCs must also carry out their responsibilities in keeping with the legislation governing them.
Her comments come as the ministry advances several infrastructural and community-development initiatives, including the redevelopment and upgrading of markets across the country.
Manickchand said markets are not simply places for buying and selling goods, but are also important centres of community and economic activities. New and upgraded facilities are expected to provide improved sanitation, organised vending spaces and better amenities for vendors and consumers.
Ultimately, she said, improving quality of life requires both physical development and changes in how people treat their communities.
“It’s not just money,” Manickchand said.
“It’s not just a government with a vision to build and actual wherewithal to build, but it’s a government who understands that we have to change our attitudes of our people and what they have become accustomed to because of years and years of, you know, neglect and inability in some respects to do some of what we’re doing now.”