As the Committee of Supply continued scrutiny of proposed spending for fiscal year 2026, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security was called on to explain an allocation for building maintenance.
Minister Dr. Vindyha Persaud said the ministry is upgrading aging facilities to modernise service delivery while preserving important structures.
The issue arose when MP Natasha Singh questioned the increase under line item 6242 for building maintenance, noting that $47 million was requested again after revisions in 2025.
In her response, the minister said the ministry manages several old buildings that require continuous repairs to remain safe and functional for staff and clients. Among the priority facilities is the ministry building at Cornhill and Water Streets, described as an “old building” with leakages and outdated infrastructure. The minister said planned works include repairs to ceilings and roofs, wall boards and repainting, replacement of damaged windows and doors, and major upgrades to “ancient” wiring and electrical fixtures.
The minister also said the Cornhill and Water Streets location is being reconfigured to accommodate two new service units — one specifically for senior citizens and another specifically for persons living with disabilities. Upgrades will also target staff working conditions, including toilets and plumbing.
Another major focus is the Palms Geriatric Home, which the minister noted is 150 years old this year and requires constant maintenance. Planned works include repairs to washrooms, flooring, pipes and plumbing across blocks, replacement of doors and windows, and upgrades to unsafe electrical wiring. Repairs are also planned for the kitchen area including plumbing, carpentry and electrical works.
The Night Shelter is also slated for continued upgrades. The minister recalled that conditions at the facility were “very deplorable” in 2020, and said major works between 2020 and 2025 improved the shelter significantly, but additional repairs are still needed to ceilings, walls, floors, electrical systems and washrooms.
Another facility highlighted was the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, which the minister said has undergone “significant restoration” from 2020 to 2025, with more work still required because of the building’s age.
“While we are modernising some aspects, we want to preserve other aspects of the building,” the minister said, adding that maintenance includes repairs and repainting to walls and ceilings, renovation of rooms, repairs to stairs and flooring, and upgrades to electrical capacity. She also revealed plans to establish a garment lab at the institute, alongside improvements to existing spaces and the training hall.
In addition, the minister said repairs are planned for several other facilities under the ministry’s purview, including probation offices and compounds such as Mahdia Hospital compound, Hope and Justice Centres, and the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehab and Reintegration, among others.
When asked how much would be spent on repairs at the Palms this year, the minister said $18 million is being targeted for 2026. She also referenced prior spending at the Palms over multiple years, noting the scale of maintenance required for a facility of its age.
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