The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) says it has taken the initiative to upgrade the sewerage and water distribution networks in Kwakwani, Region 10, following an analysis of the community’s systems.
These systems are run by the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated (KUI), according to a release from GWI on Friday.
Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and a team of officials met with the KUI on Thursday, August 16 to discuss the execution of the project and with residents to inform them about the plans.
During the meeting with KUI General Manager, Mr. Mcpherson, the release said that GWI’s Managing Director explained that as it relates to the sewerage system, GWI has identified a number of damaged sewer chambers and pipes and the need to de-sludge the existing septic tanks, excavate and bury the sludge at a designated location.
It was agreed that both GWI and KUI will pool their resources to execute the task at hand.
“With respect to the sanitation of the tanks, we are going to send our people up; we are going to hire a few people from the community to assist in cleaning the tanks and we’re are going to send our truck to extract the waste from the tank but a lot of the stuff from the tank is very hard so we need the help from the community and we will pay them in this regard”, Van West-Charles said.
GWI has also committed to providing the requisite materials and supervisory skills to get the job done. The community will assist with accommodation for staff and provide additional manpower.
Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako noted that in some instances, sewer pipes have been burnt or otherwise damaged. GWI also hopes to construct filter boxes that will treat the wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.
The community has nine septic tanks, each of which serves approximately 25 households. Each tank will require at least four individuals to clean it.
KUI was informed of GWI’s plans to increase the hours and levels of service to better serve residents. Currently, residents receive a total of eight hours of service. According to Shako, the volume of water produced by the Kwakwani Water Treatment Plant is sufficient to adequately serve the entire population for an extended period.
Chairman of the Local Government Commission of Guyana, Mortimer Mingo who was present, said this venture will contribute to the development of the community and allow residents to benefit from an improved quality of life.
Works are scheduled to commence on August 27 and be completed before November, GWI said.
