Broken enforcement system fueling Capital’s waste woes

• January 20 2026

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has identified the ineffectiveness of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s implementation department as a major obstacle to proper waste management in the capital.

According to the minister, she was informed by the Mayor that the department tasked with enforcing waste disposal regulations is not functioning as a result of it being compromised.

As a result, there has been little to no meaningful enforcement of existing rules, including the implementation of fines for littering and other sanitation breaches.

Manickchand noted that while many citizens take pride in maintaining their private properties, public spaces continue to suffer due to weak enforcement and a lack of accountability.

She stressed that without a functioning implementation arm, efforts to create a clean and orderly city will remain ineffective.

The minister said that stronger public education, the provision of adequate waste disposal facilities, and the proper maintenance and use of those facilities are all necessary.

However, she emphasised that these measures must be supported by an enforcement system that works, including penalties for individuals who fail to comply.

While acknowledging that a range of actions could be taken, Manickchand said engagement with citizens and consideration of their views are also important components of any successful waste management strategy.

The comments were made yesterday, during discussions on the need for collaboration between central government and the Mayor and City Council to improve the management of Georgetown. However, the meeting was reportedly boycotted by the Mayor and most opposition councillors.