The Guyana Water Inc yesterday signed a contract for in excess of $1.7 billion with Universal Earth Movers Incorporated (UEM Inc) for the construction of two water treatment plants, booster station and storage facilities at Linden.
According to a GWI press release, the contract which is aimed at improving water quality provided to the town will also create jobs for skilled Lindeners.
This forms part of the Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP), which is funded by the Government of Guyana through the Inter-America Development Bank (IDB), the release said.
It said the programme seeks to significantly enhance thequality of life experienced by GWI customers in Linden through a massive rehabilitation of the water supply system.
Speaking at the signing of the contract, which took placed at the Linden Constabulary Building, Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh, said he was pleased that the contractors will employ skilled and qualified Lindeners, who will provide the much needed knowledge and expertise required. He called it a “proud moment” for all parties involved.
The LWSRP will encompass a large public education and community outreach component. And Baksh said its success also depends on the willingness of Linden customers to partner with GWI on water conservation, protecting freshwater resources and maintaining safe household water supply. “For customer to enjoy higher levels of service, they must avoid wastage,” he added.
GWI will also be engaging all the treated water schemes in conservation, in a campaign via media and community meetings.
Through the combination of the new treatment facilities and the reduction of leaks as well as an upgrade of the distribution system, customers in Linden will experience improved water quality. as well as higher levels of service, the release said. GWI said it is also engaging in a consultant to develop a strategy to reduce water loss and non revenue water.
The release further stated that over the next five years, the water company will undertake a series of large-scale civil works which will include the construction of two new water treatment plants at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc, as well as booster station, reservoirs, and the installation of transmission mains; as well as the rehabilitation of the distribution system, including replacing leaking pipelines and service connections.
