The government has committed to launching a massive drainage programme across Georgetown as part of efforts to restore the capital to its former “Garden City” status, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced on Sunday.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony for the new Cummings Lodge Water Treatment Plant, President Ali said his administration is fully committed to the complete revival of Georgetown and will move swiftly to transform it into the most beautiful city in the region.
As part of the initiative, several mapping exercises will be undertaken to guide the city’s renewal efforts.
“I’ve already directed that a full mapping and condition survey of every drain in the city be done, placed on GIS, and after that we will launch a massive drainage programme across every street, every alley, every single area in Georgetown,” the President noted.
President Ali added that the government is also developing a sustainable housing and recreational plan for the city.
“I’ve asked for a full mapping of all the housing in Georgetown, so that we can develop a sustainable urban housing plan that will ensure housing stock in the city is dealt with. I’ve also asked for a mapping of every recreational facility and a condition survey so that we can invest in recreation to bring a quality of life in the city that leads to wellness,” he said.
The President noted that much of the country’s infrastructure was built at a time when such rapid growth and transformation were not anticipated, underscoring the need for modernisation.
Georgetown, located on the low-lying coastal plain, has long faced chronic flooding due to aging drainage systems. The city’s most severe flood in 2005 affected thousands of residents and caused widespread economic damage.
Recurring heavy rainfall, high tides, and conservancy overflows continue to leave the city vulnerable, prompting several World Bank-supported initiatives to strengthen flood resilience in key areas.
