GWI budgets for procurement of drilling rigs

Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr Richard Van West Charles has announced that the entity budgeted for the procurement of equipment used to drill wells in order to lessen its dependency on contractors to conduct those works.

He made these remarks during a tour of a $40M well drilled by a Dutch firm, De Ruiter Groundwatertechneik at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara which has begun producing water after approximately six weeks of drilling.

Dr Van West Charles explained that GWI is taking an example from the 70s and 80s when the entity was equipped and the staff was trained to design and build wells across the country.

“GWI will be purchasing a rig so that we can do our own drilling and reduce the cost for the production of water,” he stated.

He further explained the cost of drilling wells has escalated and this needs to be addressed. He noted too that the methodology used needs to be updated. According to the GWI Boss, the intention is to reinstall a competence that existed in the 70s and 80s.

“GUYWA (Guyana Water) at that time, had its own rigs and did drilling, you really didn’t have as many contractors drilling wells. So at that time in the 80s when I was Minister responsible for water and health, GUYWA had its own capacity, so we have to get back at that point,” Dr Van West Charles explained.

However, he said GWI will still have a need for contractors for various projects.

“For example, with the climate change that’s occurring in Region 1, 7, 8 and 9, we cannot have a singular dependency on surface water. So we have to drill wells and the type of rigs that are going to be used is totally different than what is on the coast because you have to go through rocks,” he stated.

The GWI Head said funding for this project will come from central government and internal revenue at the entity.

Meanwhile, the well at Sparendaam is the second of three wells constructed by the Dutch company, the first was in Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara and the third will be at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

It is expected that the well will be in full operation by Christmas.