$3.5Billion CDB loan for new water filter system

─ awaiting finalisation of TOR

─ new water filter system will reduce microorganism iron consistency 

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, August 31, 2019

Works are in the pipeline for the approval of a more than $3.5Billion loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) for the purchase of a new and improved water filter system.

GWI’s, Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that following thorough researching and testing it was decided that the new filter system would change Guyana current water system.

“Where there is high iron and hydrosulphide, those filters will clean the water and all of the water produced will be in total compliance with the World Health Organization [WHO] standards. We are all compliant with respect to microbiology with the exception if there are breakages in the distribution system,” Dr. Van West-Charles explained.

He further added that the terms of reference are presently being prepared and part of the loan will also look at the feasibility of using water from the Hope Canal, located on the East Coast of Demerara with the aim to provide more water availability for the population on the coast.

“Our aim at GWI is to erase the consumption of unhealthy water and boost supply. With these filters, persons will not have reason to complain about rust, their clothes or tiles been stained when using the water for domestic purposes,” he said

The initiative is also in keeping with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #6 which ensures access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, investment in suitable infrastructure, sanitation, facilities, and hygiene at every level.