The Sea and River Defence Bill 2023 was yesterday passed during the 12th Parliament of Guyana, with the aim of strengthening the country’s flood management system.
The bill, presented by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, aims to consolidate existing legislation, improve flood protection, and establish a modernized approach to flood management.
The bill introduces several key changes, including the consolidation of two Acts Cap 64:01 and 64:02 into a single Act, the definition of sea and river defence, and the establishment of a Sea and River Defence Board. The board will be responsible for planning, managing, and constructing flood defences, with expanded responsibilities compared to the current Act.