A Joint Task Force assembled to look in to the current operational challenges being experienced with the Linden Water Supply and Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) has identified several issues which require immediate attention including difficulties being experienced with its filtration systems.
A press release from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said the Task Force, which includes the LWSRP Programme Team, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Communities on Projects Charles Ceres and other technical experts, was set up following a joint session held with GWI and technical experts with the aim of finding solutions to the water supply difficulties affecting customers of Linden.
The LWSRP is funded by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and encompasses two water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc, Linden. The construction of the two facilities and all works related to the LWSRP are being executed by GWI contractor UEM Inc and consultant EGIS EAU in association with SRKN.
The release stated that while the construction of the two facilities is beyond 95% completion, including the installation of electrical and mechanical components, the facilities are currently experiencing operational challenges with regard to the level of service provided to GWI customers of Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc.
These challenges prompted urgent action by Minister within the Ministry of Communities Keith Scott and GWI.
The release said the issue with the filtration systems, which the Joint Task Force has found, has a direct effect on the level of production at both facilities and as such has been identified as one of the key obstacles that must be resolved.
It quoted Scott as saying, “It is imperative that the people of Linden are aware that despite these challenges, the Ministry and the Guyana Water Inc remain completely committed to the success of the programme. Joint consultations will be held frequently with the Programme Manager, contractor, Regional Administration of Linden, technical experts from the ministry and all concerned parties until these challenges have been resolved.”
The release said both water treatment facilities under the LWSRP are within the defects liability period, hence, any required changes can be implemented by the contractor before the facilities are officially presented to GWI.
The water utility company has committed to ensuring that customers of Linden are fully informed of the challenges and proposed solutions for the LWSRP through its Public Relations Department. A radio programme providing details on the operational challenges of the LWSRP is scheduled for broadcast next week on the local Linden radio station, 104.3 Power FM, it added.
Chairman of the Linden Interim Management Committee Orrin Gordon had commented on the issues affecting the facilities—a modern water treatment facility and a 3,200 cubic metre reservoir at Wisroc and a 2,800 cubic metre reservoir and a 200 foot well at Amelia’s Ward following a tour on August 22 that included members of the media.
