Gov’t eyeing US$40M wastewater treatment facility in G/town

Proper management of wastewater is often overlooked, according to Guyana’s Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal. He, however, noted that Guyana wants to improve its management and use of wastewater.

Croal spoke at the opening ceremony of the 32nd annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Conference on Monday night. The conference is being held in Guyana this year.

And he referenced reports that about 86% of Guyana’s population has access to basic sanitation. And there exists four sewage systems in the country, while other persons benefit from decentralised solutions such as septic tanks and pit latrines.

So the focus is now on how sanitation services can be improved and by extension, how wastewater can be better managed.

“We must invest in modern, eco-friendly wastewater treatment facilities to reduce pollution, safeguard the aquatic ecosystems and recycle water where possible,” he said.

Croal later added, “Currently, the estimated cost of constructing a wastewater treatment facility in Georgetown is approximately US$40 million and technical proposals are being pursued.”

Already though, Minister Croal noted that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is investing in facilities to improve wastewater management. He also highlighted that Guyana will be benefiting from international support meant to boost wastewater management.

GWI, since 2020, has been piloting a wastewater treatment plant at the Tucville sewer station aimed at identifying a sustainable solution for treating Guyana’s wastewater.

In a release, the water company noted that the pilot project will allow the company, which operates and maintains the Georgetown and Tucville sewerage systems, to assess the suitability and removal efficiency of the selected treatment processes.

The treatment process includes physical treatment by screening and grit removal, biological treatment using the up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by a constructed wetland and Ultraviolet disinfection.

Further, the selected treatment processes will allow for resource recovery such as biogas, water and fertiliser. This treated waste will comply with wastewater reuse standards for non-potable uses.