GWI to construct six more water treatment plants, update existing plants in 2023

In 2023, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will complete some 20 new wells along the coast and go out to tender for six more water treatment plants to improve the quality of water consumers receive.

Seven contracts, amounting to over $8 billion, for the construction of water treatment plants were executed last year, Chief Executive Officer at GWI Shaik Baksh said on Tuesday during a press conference at the company’s head office at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. Baksh further said that tenders for an additional six water treatment plants on the coast will go out soon.

“In all we have 13 plants; seven have already been awarded and construction has commenced – all preparations are being made right now. And the other six will be tendered out. So within two years we expect that these plants will be in operation,” the CEO said.

Baksh said the designs for the six new treatment plants are complete and bidding for is expected to be launched in February. GWI will be establishing new water treatment plants and upgrading existing facilities to guarantee that about 90 per cent of the residents on the coast have access to treated water by 2025.

The 13 new water treatment plants will be constructed at Wakenaam, Marias Delight, and Onderneeming in Region Two; Leguan, Parika, Lust-en-Rust and Wales in Region Three; Caledonia, Cummings Lodge, and Bachelors’ Adventure in Region Four; Hope a and Bath in Region Five; and Adventure in Region Six.

“The massiveness of this programme is 13 new water treatment plants which will cost $32 billion. Already the Government has committed and transferred a huge amount to the Guyana Water Inc.,” Baksh stated.

The Caribbean Development Bank is funding the remaining six water supply systems.

In addition, 12 existing water treatment plants will be upgraded. These treatment plants are at Regions Three, Four and Five. The New Amsterdam water treatment plant will also be expanded to provide treated water to people along the East Bank and West Canje area.

Meanwhile, a programme to use inline filters which will remove iron from water at smaller systems.