IBSA Fund Annual Report- GUYANA

Partners

Ministry of Communities; UNDP Guyana

Overview

This project enhanced the ability of the Government of Guyana to address its solid-waste management challenges, reduce environmental impact and improve urban sanitation. It equipped local governments with waste-collection trucks and excavators and rehabilitated selected markets and market tarmacs, thereby providing alternatives to illegal vending. In addition, the project distributed waste bins and posters in schools and developed a national communications strategy on solid waste management to raise public awareness.

Key Achievements

• Two garbage compactor trucks and two mini-excavators were purchased and used by 15 Neighborhood Democratic Councils and three municipalities. That contributed to improving the sanitary conditions of municipalities and the drainage and irrigation network, benefiting a population of over 350,000 residents.
• Eight markets and two tarmacs were rehabilitated and included in waste collection routes. Additional space in the markets was available for accommodating more vendors together with garbage storage and collection points as well as improved sanitary facilities. Over 100,000 residents benefited from market construction and improvements.
• 2,500 classroom posters, five retractable banners and 91 standing cutout posters were placed in schools.
• 1,968 colour-coded bins were distributed to schools to promote waste separation. Over 50 primary schools in nine municipalities benefited from the programme.
• A National Public Education and Communication Strategy was developed by the University of Guyana to help to raise awareness about solid waste management.

Challenges

• The Guyana public procurement procedure was complex and required compliance with lengthy processes and checks.
• The 2016 elections resulting in the change of local government structure as well as subsequent audits delayed the project implementation and led to some changes in project scope.
• Difficulties were encountered in finding technical staff to manage the project effectively, leading to issues of overpayment and delay in payments to several contractors. To address that problem, a new project management team comprised of more qualified and experienced technical staff was assigned to the project.

Link of the Project to National Priorities

The project helped to advance the implementation of the National Development Strategy, particularly on solid waste management, and supported building local capacity.