In recent months, the government launched a series of clean-up campaigns and public awareness programmes, while investing heavily in waste management infrastructure, such as providing garbage disposal trucks, waste containers and better access to disposal sites.
The aim is to strengthen environmental protection and improve public sanitation for a cleaner Guyana. Under existing laws, individuals found littering can be fined $50,000, while companies can face penalties of up to $100,000.
These efforts include garbage disposal trucks and bins distribution to communities across the country to encourage residents to play a more active role in the national solid waste clean-up programme.
To date, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has distributed garbage compactor trucks to 59 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
Several municipalities have also benefitted from the programme, including Mabaruma in Region One, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton in Region Six, Lethem in Region Nine, Linden in Region Ten and Mahdia in Region Eight.
The placement of this equipment will improve local authorities’ capacity to collect and dispose of waste in a more timely and efficient manner.
Meanwhile, work is advancing on key sanitation and infrastructure projects, including plans to construct access roads to landfill sites at Blairmont in Region Five, 10 Miles in Region Seven, and Bon Success in Lethem, Region Nine.
The government is also pursuing a long-term strategy to strengthen waste management nationwide with the buildout of landfills in every region by 2030.
To support these efforts, the government has allocated $7.9 billion in the 2026 budget.
Citizens are also being urged to take greater responsibility for maintaining their surroundings to achieve a cleaner Guyana.
Sustained public cooperation, combined with stronger enforcement and improved infrastructure, is essential in ensuring the success of the government’s nationwide campaign against littering. (Department of Public Information)
