$32.9B Approved for Local Government development, markets and waste management
February 13 2026
Parliament has approved $32.9 billion for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to advance development across municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) nationwide.
During the consideration of the estimates in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand said a major portion of the allocation will be directed toward the rehabilitation and upgrading of markets, with more than $18 billion budgeted for improvements.
Markets slated for rehabilitation include Port Kaituma, Bath, Railway Line, Unity, Rose Hall, Port Mourant, Number 79, and Lethem. Responding to concerns from opposition members about whether the allocation would fully complete the projects, the minister explained that the funding covers the initial scope of works, with a focus on improving sanitation, safety, and protection from the elements for vendors and shoppers.
She also announced plans to modernise the Plaisance Market and disclosed that just over $404 million has been allocated for Guyana’s first cultural market, which will be implemented in three phases.
To further support local authorities, $2.8 billion was approved in subsidies for municipalities and NDCs. Under the allocation, municipalities will receive $50 million each, while NDCs will receive $30 million.
Meanwhile, $5.9 billion has been earmarked for the Solid Waste Disposal Programme. Of that amount, approximately $400 million will be spent at the Haags Bosch site and $150 million at the Lusignan landfill. The ministry also plans to open eight modern landfill sites as part of a nationwide effort to improve waste management.
Minister Manickchand said the Haags Bosch landfill is scheduled to be closed by 2029, with interim improvements already implemented to reduce odour and minimise the impact on nearby communities. She added that the ministry is preparing to roll out a major public education campaign aimed at changing attitudes toward proper garbage disposal.
The allocations form part of a wider $36.6 billion approved for the ministry as the government moves to strengthen local governance, sanitation, and market infrastructure across the country.
