Gov’t seeking funds to expand water treatment on the coast

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, outlines strategic plans during his outreach in Crabwood Creek, Berbice

The Government is currently seeking funding to execute the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) plans to increase their water treatment capacity over the next few years.

This was revealed by the Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, during a meeting with residents of Number 79 and surrounding villages in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), over the weekend.

“GWI, recognising that we need to raise the level, especially across the coastland, had a presentation last week on how much is required to be invested in the entire coastland, to make it 90 per cent treated water […] and it will come up to US$100 million,” the Minister stated.

Water treatment is chief among issues on the GWI’s investment programme and strategic plan.

“The iron content is unsatisfactory. We understand what is required. It will take some time for phasing out, but they have already quantified how much is required across the coast to ensure that we deliver, as far as possible, treated water for our citizens,” Minister Croal explained.

These plans are in keeping with Page 37 of the PPP/C manifesto to expand water treatment across Guyana. They are also expected to bring Guyana one step closer to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal Six to ensure access to clean water and sanitation.