GWI cites major plans on stream for 2023
In 2023, the Guyana Water Incorporated has huge investments planned for 2023 expanding the water infrastructure in Georgetown, developing an aquifer study for new wells, and expand water treatment in the Hinterlands.
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) expended 89 percent of a 6.5-billion-dollar budget for 2022 on the expansion of water access and treatment in the Hinterlands and urban areas.
Through these projects, access to water across the country now stands at 97 percent, and 75 percent specifically in Hinterland regions.
7000 persons residing on the Coast have also gained first time access to treated water.
In 2023, these projects will see significant investments to improve these figures and service the 26 new housing developments.
GWI's Head of Technical Services, Aubrey Roberts says the trunk main network will be majorly expanded this year, with several kilometers of new transmission pipes to be constructed to service 30 areas.
Furthermore, he stated that a small class treatment programme will be launched soon.
“Guyana has a very linear development; we are a coast of 200 miles. People are spread out in various pockets. There are some communities we recognise will not be served by a major treatment plant. To this end we are about to test a programme of using in-line filters to ensure that the iron is removed from water from smaller systems so those customers can also benefit.”
In 2022, better water sources were also discovered for Wismar (where residents had been experiencing issue with water quality from the Demerara River) and Five to Seven miles (currently poorly serviced by the Mazaruni River).
Work will begin this year on transferring the water supply for these residents to new sources in Watooka and Bartica respectively.
Shaik Baksh, Chief Executive Officer at GWI says a major challenge the agency hopes to address is the large amount of non-revenue water.
Non-revenue water includes water that is lost due to leaks and customers using more water than they are being billed for.
“NRW losses went from 67 percent to 55 percent. We are hoping to achieve the figure of 50 percent. That will clearly translate to better financial performance of GWI.”
GWI also aims to reduce water losses by better network management.
He notes that the GWI also aims to intensify revenue collection in 2023 as the company still faces issues with persons being unwilling to pay outstanding bills.
Water in the East Demerara conservancy will also be treated soon.
New surface water treatment plants will also be constructed on the Est Coast.
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