President Dr. Irfaan Ali has unveiled a sweeping Georgetown Revival Plan, signalling the government’s determination to transform the capital city into a model of urban development, heritage preservation and public service delivery.
The announcement came during his first press conference of his second term, held Tuesday afternoon at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office, following his re-election victory in the September 1 elections.
“The condition and mismanagement of the city can no longer be tolerated. It is time to take charge, and we will launch this from government,” President Ali told reporters.
“Georgetown must represent Guyana, and we are committed to ensuring that it does.”
The plan, developed with the support of the King’s Foundation, is part of a broader National Strategy for Sustainable Urban Development, which will initially focus on Georgetown—the country’s largest urban area—and its surrounding regions.
The strategy is aligned with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, reflecting the government’s aim to combine urban renewal with environmental sustainability.
President Ali outlined a series of initiatives designed to modernise the city while preserving its unique character:
• Infrastructure upgrades: Billions of dollars will be invested in repairing roads, drainage systems, and pavements to improve mobility, safety, and flood resilience.
• Heritage preservation: The plan includes restoring historic sites and architectural landmarks, with walking trails that will allow citizens and visitors to explore Georgetown’s history, including areas like the old transport building and the Railway Courtyard along Lamaha Street.
• Stabroek Waterfront and public spaces: Immediate work will begin on enhancing the waterfront, markets, shopping areas, and recreational spaces, making the city more vibrant and citizen-friendly.
• Biodiversity and education: Initiatives will celebrate and protect local biodiversity, supported by educational programs designed to encourage behavioural change and public awareness about urban environmental stewardship.
• Housing and traffic solutions: The plan aims to deliver quality housing, reduce congestion, and restore green spaces, contributing to a cleaner and more liveable city.
A demonstration zone in outer Georgetown will serve as a model for the urban development framework, allowing citizens to see the impact of the government’s strategies in action. The First Lady will also support projects that enhance both urban and rural landscapes under this framework.
“Walking through the city, citizens will see projects that tell the story of Georgetown’s history and heritage,” the President said. “From drainage canals turned into touristic attractions to new recreational spaces, we are combining functionality with culture.”
President Ali emphasised that the revival plan is not just about infrastructure, but about transforming Georgetown into a city that reflects Guyana’s identity, pride, and progress. He added, “In the coming years, citizens will have the opportunity to choose leadership in the city that ensures it is well-managed, vibrant, and representative of our nation’s values.”
The Georgetown Revival Plan forms a central pillar of the government’s ambitious five-year agenda, which President Ali described as “hectic and transformative,” focusing on efficiency, reliability, and reducing bureaucracy to improve Guyana’s global competitiveness.
As the city prepares to enter this new phase, President Ali expressed optimism that the initiative will inspire pride among residents, attract investment, and create a model of sustainable urban living for other towns and cities across Guyana.
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