Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), outlined a proposal that will soon be tabled to revamp the existing fire hydrant system.
For decades the fire hydrant system has been in disrepair and neither the city nor the Guyana Water Inc has accepted responsibility for its rejuvenation. The large number of non-functioning hydrants also made fighting fires much more difficult.
“The system that I’m advocating…is to have underground pipes, that will bring water directly from the Demerara River into these hydrants, so that at a moment’s notice, you can have water at all times, 24/7,” Scott told GINA.
This proposal had been floated before. There had been some concerns then about salt water intrusion.
Scott added that whilst the installation of such a system with booster stations at strategic points, will see significant sums being invested it is needed to save property and lives.
Scott told GINA that this proposal will soon be discussed with the Mayor and City Council, insurance companies, and other stakeholders, so that the idea can come into existence in a grid- manner, across Georgetown.
“We at GWI (Guyana Water Inc.) will also be saving, as instead of using treated water to out a fire, you’d be using an unlimited supply of water from the Demerara River, to out any fire that arises…where necessary, legislation has to be enacted, (as) we shall be going that way,” Scott stated.
