Jul 15, 2026
2 min read
Close to 1,000 contracts have been signed for a citywide beautification programme in Georgetown, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said today, as the Government moves to improve drainage, reduce flooding and restore the capital's appearance.
Speaking during a Ministry of Public Works livestream, Minister Edghill said the contracts cover the desilting of drains, cleaning and grubbing of parapets, and removal of waste across the city.
The initiative is also expected to provide employment for about 7,000 people, with each contractor engaging six to seven workers.
Outlining the scope of work, the minister said the drainage contracts provide for the desilting of drains through manual means, using buckets, or mechanical means, using excavators, to remove all existing silt, slush, debris and vegetation, including under bridges and in culverts, as directed by the engineer.
He said contractors are required to thoroughly clean drains and alleyways within their assigned areas, with all slush, debris and vegetation removed from drains to be loaded onto trucks and properly disposed of, rather than left on the roadside.
The scope of works also includes grubbing and cleaning road shoulders, verges and parapets, including the removal of vegetation and excess soil that can obstruct the flow of water into drains.
Minister Edghill said contractors are also required to remove all accumulated garbage, but clarified that this does not extend to household waste put out for collection, which continues on the Mayor and City Council's schedule.
While acknowledging complaints from residents about the quality of work done by some contractors, the minister said contractors will not be paid if the work is not carried out properly.
He said residents dissatisfied with the work can contact the Ministry's hotline on 624-2964, providing the location so engineers overseeing the project can inspect the area and ensure contractors meet the required standards.
Minister Edghill said the large-scale clean-up is expected to significantly improve Georgetown's drainage network, helping prevent the widespread flooding experienced earlier this year while giving the city a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
