President assured that GWI, GPL will not increase tariffs by a cent

President Irfaan Ali has declared that despite the global increase in energy costs, the Government
will continue to “fill the gap” to ensure that the burden is not passed on to citizens.
Ali said that this will be done although prices for fuel, which is the main impetus for the
production of power and treated water, has increased by 100%. “We said to both entities; you are
not going to increase by a cent. The Government will take up the additional expenditure and fill
the gap. That is how a responsible government operates,” Alisaid
The President gave this assurance during the commissioning of a new well station at Lusignan on
the East Coast of Demerara on Tuesday afternoon. Ali disclosed that when the Guyana Water
Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) budgeted, they did so with oil at
US$60 per barrel and not at $125.
The Head of State reminded that it was his Government that removed the Value Added Tax on
water for all categories of citizens, reinstated the water subsidy for pensioners, and reduced the
water tariffs across all categories by five per cent. “There is no government globally, and I say
categorically, in this crisis that has moved to such directions,” the President said.
President Ali noted that his Government has been able to keep all public servants employed and
have even e employment opportunities. He noted that increases in salaries, pension and funds to
students have also been distributed, even as the Government embarks on a massive infrastructure
transformation, which is critically needed in Guyana. “Sometimes we take these things for
granted because the Government can be so responsive and responsible,” he explained.
LUSIGNAN WELL A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT
Ali stressed that by 2025 more than half the world’s population will be living in water-stressed
circumstances. As such, he pointed to the significance of the $141m facility at Lusignan, which
is expected to benefit some 22,000 residents of Grassfield, Lusignan Pasture, Lusignan East,
Lusignan West, Annandale and Courbane Park. “As we meet today, 785 million people lack
basic drinking water service globally. 144m people depend on surface water to carry out their
daily lives. Two billion people globally use water that is contaminated in some way or form. This
contamination has led, and continues to lead to many different types of diseases…This is the
context in which we must position this accomplishment….,” Ali said.
The President reminded that since his Government returned to office, $6.2b has been spent in the
water sector, and over the next two years, $11b will be expended in this sector to ensure
improved access to potable and treated water. Ali noted that this expenditure, will be used to
ensure that by 2025 there is 100% access to good potable water and an efficient supply of water
along the coast and in the riverine communities.
He also announced that the Government will be investing in more than 12 new water treatment
plants all across the country. The Head of State reminded of his Government’s intention of
realising the commitments made to citizens and families to build a resilient Guyana. “So as we

make these small but important steps, be assured of the continuous investment of the government
into your lives, your family lives and your community life,” he declared.