Safe, reliable water promised as $1.3 billion new treatment plant commissioned

Thousands of residents from several communities along the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) now have access to safe and reliable water with the commissioning of a $1.3 billion water treatment plant at Wales.

The facility, which can supply 9.5 liters of water daily, was on Sunday commissioned by President Dr Irfaan Ali. It is one of three new plants constructed in Region Three.

The project was undertaken by Mexican company, Hi-Pro Ecologicos with local input from S. Jagmohan Construction. It will serve 16,000 residents from several villages including Canal No.2, Toevlugt, Sisters Villages, Patenia, and Vriesland.

Delivering the keynote address at the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, President Ali said by the end of this year, 90 per cent of the country’s population will have access to treated water.

“The story of development is before you… Every time there is improvement in infrastructure the value of the community increases as well as the country,” President Ali said.

Reflecting on investments being made, President Ali said with this project, the government has invested $400,000 in every household.

“Just five years ago, the story in these communities was how we are going to support our children to go to school… the story was about families going hungry and community going bankrupt.

“This is a story of hope versus hopelessness….This is a story about promises kept…a story of vision, respect,” he noted.

The Wales water treatment plant was designed according to international standards and has been in operation since February 22, 2025.

In his remarks, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal pointed out that the establishment of the facility is a testament to the government’s dedication of improving the livelihood of every citizen.

Access to treated water, Croal reminded the gathering, is a fundamental right for every individual.

“For far too long, communities have faced the challenge of accessing safe, reliable water.
“This state-of-the-art water treatment plant will not only provide cleaner water, but it will also enhance public health, reduce waterborne disease, and improve the overall quality of life,” Croal said.

The commissioning of the facility is part of the government’s vision of modernising the delivery of water across the country.

“We are aggressively expanding our national water infrastructure, increasing the access in both urban and rural communities and upgrading outdated systems to ensure sustainability,” Croal said.