Diamond Water Treatment Plant 77% complete

– IDB Executives tour facility

(Georgetown, Friday, May 31, 2019) The Diamond Water Treatment Plant on the East Bank of Demerara, which will provide improved water quality and level of service to thousands of residents between Herstelling and Great Diamond is seventy seven percent (77%) complete.

This was disclosed on Friday, 31st May, 2019 as several Executive Directors, who are also Board Members of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) toured the site following a simple ceremony where an update on the project was provided.

The Diamond Water Treatment Plant, which is one of three Water Treatment Plants being constructed with funding from the IDB and the European Union (EU) is being constructed at a cost of GYD$1.9B. The plant will produce 12,000 cubic meters of water per day and its main purpose is iron removal.

All major structures have been completed as well as all civil and mechanical works and the water pumps are in place. Outstanding works include the electrical wiring to the pumps and electrical panels as well as the procurement of the Filter media.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles pointed out that the treatment plant was due to be completed by October, 2019 but this timeline has been extended to December 2020.

However, he is hopeful that the project will be completed at a much earlier date, especially due to the need which exists in many communities which it will serve. The Managing Director said that the company is optimistic that with the purchase of the filter media, works will progress at a faster rate. Negotiations are already afoot for the purchase and shipment of the media.

Dr. Van West-Charles explained that the Diamond facility in the original design was supposed to utilise both ground and surface water. However, after consideration and analysis by GWI in 2017, it was decided that the supply of water will come primarily from Groundwater sources.

This has contributed to a saving of approximately GYD$25M per annum due to a reduction in the need to import chemicals for the treatment process. Also, there is a projected saving of GYD$1.2M per month in energy cost.

The treatment plant will serve approximately 22,600 residents and is designed to serve 32,000 residents.

According to the Managing Director, the construction of the three treatment plants has already had an impact on Non-Revenue Water, the issue of metering and most importantly, energy efficiency.

He expressed his happiness with the progress made thus far as he noted that there has been good collaboration with both the local and Washington based IDB offices.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan stated that the project is consistent with the mission of the current government in providing the good life for all. He noted that it is well accepted that apart from a roof over one’s head, the provision of pure water is one of the basic necessities for dignified living.

According to him, the Government is resolutely committed to providing this vital necessity for human life and existence to greater numbers of Guyanese.

Minister Bulkan highlighted that the Diamond Facility will not only be able to meet the needs of the existing population, but will also be able to support a growing population.

He took the opportunity to once again convey gratitude to the IDB on behalf of the Government and the beneficiaries of the three Water Treatment plants.

One of the IDB’s Executive Directors, Mr. Selwin Charles Hart explained that the purpose of the team’s visit was to listen, learn, and understand Guyana’s development context. This, he said, includes the challenges and opportunities in the country.

With that knowledge, they will be able to assess how the IDB can be a more effective partner to Guyana and how they can improve their decision making as members of the board on the policies and procedures that affect the country.

Mr. Hart explained that the board has the overall responsibility for setting the policies and procedures of the IDB as well as approving projects.

He further explained that the board members present represent well over 50% of voting power and ownership of the IDB and their presence in Guyana is a true demonstration of their commitment and the commitment of the countries they represent to supporting the social and economic development of Guyana.

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