GWI tackles ancient city network

DPI, Guyana, Friday, June 01, 2018

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) plans to tackle Georgetown’s water and sewerage system, parts of which are over a century old and struggling with a growing population.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles says one critical area of priority is to upgrade the water distribution networks. He explained to the Department of Public Information that in Georgetown the aging distribution network is under severe strain and needs urgent attention: “As we speak, the network in front of Cuffy (The 1763 monument) is under strain and is leaking. We now have to meet with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to see how we can disturb the road network to address those pipes which are more than 100 years old. Similarly in Albouystown there are pipes that should not be in operation and we are working to address these issues.”

Further, Van West-Charles pointed out that since its completion in 1929, the Central Georgetown Sewerage System is yet to be treated. Some of the yard sewers were changed over the years as buildings were rehabilitated, expanded or whenever foundation work for new construction was carried out. However, he stressed that the whole system must be treated.

This is also important as Guyana has signed on to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aims for equitable access to quality water and its efficient use worldwide by 2030.

By: Ranetta La Fleur.

Photos: Leon Leung.