President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali yesterday inspected ongoing works along Thomas Street, Georgetown, as the avenue takes shape as the first project under his Healthy Streets Initiative.

The president was accompanied by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, members of the project team and engineers, who provided an update on the works and the design elements being incorporated along the corridor.

During the inspection, President Ali reviewed the practical and aesthetic features of the project and outlined his vision for the completed avenue, while also providing guidance on aspects of the design that could be applied to similar streets and avenues across Georgetown.

Particular attention was paid to the relationship between the roadway, drainage infrastructure and the avenue, with the President stressing the importance of ensuring that the various levels are properly coordinated as construction advances.

The Thomas Street Avenue, which stretches from Lamaha Street to Church Street, is being developed in collaboration with the King’s Foundation and the Government of Guyana, with the aim of creating a greener, safer and more functional public space.

The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider efforts to reshape Georgetown through improved infrastructure, enhanced public spaces and urban development that places greater emphasis on the environment and the experience of pedestrians and other users.

Minister Manickchand, meanwhile, stressed the need for the project to remain on schedule while maintaining its intended green character.

She emphasised that existing trees should not be unnecessarily boxed off or removed as the avenue is developed, noting that the design should complement and enhance the natural environment already present along the corridor.

Following the President’s inspection, Minister Manickchand walked the length of the project with lead engineers Raul Boyer and Satrohan Nauth, Project Manager Gregory Sukull and other officials to assess the works and review progress.