Local Government of Guyana

Ministry: Local Government and Regional Development

Local government is provided for by the Municipal and District Councils Act 1988 and Local Government Act 1998, and it is enshrined in the constitution. The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is responsible for local government. There are ten regional development councils, seven municipalities and 65 neighbourhood democratic councils; as well as 75 Amerindian village councils.

The municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils have revenue-raising powers, and they receive transfers from national government. The regional development councils are responsible for health, education and agriculture support services; the neighbourhood democratic councils for waste collection and sanitation, roads, dams and markets; and the municipalities for drainage, irrigation, waste collection and infrastructure maintenance.