The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has started preparatory work for the US$12.3M Linden Water Supply and Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP), which is expected to provide water supply and quality that meet international standards.
GWI Programme Manager Omar Bissoon said the programme seeks to “significantly enhance” the quality of water available to GWI customers in Linden.
“Over the next five years, we expect to undertake a series of large scale civil works which will include the construction of two (2) new water treatment plants at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc as well as booster stations, reservoirs, and the installation of transmission mains,” Bissoon was quoted as saying in a GWI press statement.
The works also includes the rehabilitation of the distribution system, including replacing leaking pipelines and service connections, he added.
Bissoon acknowledged that the current system “is not adequate” due to its age and the growth of the town over the years but added that he expects that the combination of the new treatment facilities and the reduction of leaks through an upgraded distribution system when the new plants are fully operational will provide customers with treated water that meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
In relation to protecting sources of freshwater, the programme manager said that the new Wisroc Water Treatment Plant will utilise freshwater from the Dakoura Creek and therefore Lindeners must protect the creek and its watershed by avoiding activities that can pollute it.
Further, customers are advised that in order to best benefit from the treated water the new plants will provide, they need to employ safe habits such as storing water in covered containers and clean black water storage tanks frequently.
In addition, the company will employ a consultant to develop a strategy to reduce water loss and non-revenue water.
“Linden customers can anticipate a robust public education thrust, including a 60-Minute television documentary on the programme,” Bissoon said.
“We urge them to partner with us as we strive to significantly enhance their quality of life through the improvement of the service we deliver,” he added.
The LWSRP is funded by the government through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank, the statement said. For more information on the LWSRP, customers can email pro@gwi.gy or visit the website www.gwiguyana.com or post questions on Facebook at www.facebook.com/everydropcountsgy.
