GWI to focus on lowering water iron content

─water treatment services to be enhanced─

─funds being streamlined to propel project─

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be focusing on enhancing the quality of its supply going forward even as it looks to expand the catchment areas for water supply.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal made this statement while speaking to DPI on the side-lines of an event.

“It’s not only about putting wells, but to ensure that we can treat the water [and] to put the number of treatment plants in the area, especially to start in the coastland,” he said.

For this reason, the Minister said the logistics are currently being worked out to streamline feasible investments for the water sector in the 2021 work programme.

“[The treatment plant is] very expensive, but we are commencing that in the new year [and] they’re working out to see if we can have additional financing to fast-track this programme,” Minister Croal said.

Meanwhile, GWI Director of Operations, Mr. Dwayne Shako said it is about time that Guyanese are able to access drinkable water from their taps.

“Now that we provide treatment, people want to be able to drink the water that is coming from their tap and the excuse of iron in the system cannot be made much longer,” Mr. Shako said.

“Government and GWI understands that and from a technical side, we are pushing to ensure that within a few years as we increase our treatment plant coverage across the country,” he added.

The 2021 plans are expected to boost those already in the 2020 work programme. Once on track, this means that more Guyanese can look forward to accessing potable water in their homes.

Minister Croal underscored that under his leadership access to potable water in new and existing housing areas will be enhanced, in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 for clean water and sanitation for all.