Dear Editor,
About two weeks ago, I passed by the High Courts, on the southern side, on South Road. Just in front of the gate, at the southeastern end, there is a noticeable overflow of a sewage chamber. The stench is unbearable. It has been like that for years, as if this situation cannot be remedied. Court officials, and members of the public who must traverse that road must navigate the overflowing chamber and vehicle traffic. There are numerous similar cases across Central Georgetown. Really it’s a case of environmental and public health neglect, on the part of those whose responsibility includes upgrading and maintaining such vital city facilities.
However, I think that, there is a deeper problem with wastewater management in the city that presents certain challenges to sewage and wastewater management especially as the city experiences rapid development driven by the country’s oil boom. With the increasing number of hotels, high rise buildings and large private establishments, the George-town Sewerage System, operated and managed by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is facing significant pressure. The current system is outdated, (it was initially installed in the 1800s) inefficient, and ill-equipped to handle the growing demand for wastewater treatment. Considering the deficiencies in the public sewerage system, it is becoming increasingly necessary for large establishments such as hotels, commercial centres, and high-rise buildings to take the initiative, in the broader context of corporate environmental responsibility, in constructing and managing their own wastewater treatment systems. This is not only important but also vital to the sustainable development of the city. I wish to proffer a few key reasons why this approach should be encouraged as the authorities seek to advance the interests of the city:
First, the GWI–managed sewage system is not designed to cope with the rapid urbanisation in George-town. As the demand for services grows, particularly due to the booming oil sector, the existing infrastructure has become overburdened. The system is inefficient, often plagued by leaks, blockages, and slow processing times. This has led to issues such as sewage backups, flooding, and environmental pollution. Rely-ing solely on this system for wastewater management is becoming increasingly problematic for large establishments.
Second, as Georgetown’s population grows and more buildings are constructed, the volume of wastewater increases. The current system cannot efficiently process the higher loads, which often leads to overflow, untreated discharge, and contamination of water bodies. This poses significant public health risks and environmental damage, especially in a city where sanitation systems are already stretched very thin. Hotels, commercial buildings, and high-rise establishments with their large volumes of wastewater, are major contributors to the overload. Construct-ing their own systems can help minimize their environmental impact by ensuring that wastewater is properly treated before being discharged or recycled.
Third, as global standards for sustainable development and environmental management continue to develop, large establishments in our country, particularly those benefiting from the oil boom, will be increasingly held accountable for their environmental footprint. Local regulations may evolve to demand higher levels of wastewater treatment and sustainability. Constructing on- site wastewater systems can help businesses meet these requirements, reduce fines, and improve their overall corporate environmental responsibility profile. Also, by constructing their own wastewater systems, large private establishments will have more control over their waste management processes. This can improve resilience to system failures in the public infrastructure and prevent disruptions caused by sewage- related issues. Additionally, self- sufficiency in wastewater treatment can lower dependence on the overburdened GWI system, allowing the business to avoid delays and inefficiencies.
The other reason is technological innovation. There are a range of advanced wastewater treatment technologies available that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of wastewater. For example: Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs), Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBR), Greywater Recycling and On-site Anaerobic Digesters. In fact, such technologies are not only efficient, but they also promote sustainability and could assist reduce operational costs in the long run. Again, while the initial investment for constructing and maintaining private wastewater treatment systems may appear high, in the long term, it can result in significant cost savings. The cost of dealing with inefficiencies in the public sewage system such as failures or backups could exceed the investment in building an on- site wastewater treatment system.
Finally, this could be an opportunity for public- private partnership. While private bodies can build their own wastewater systems, working in tandem with the competent authorities like GWI to share best practices, resources and data could help both the private sector and public infrastructure adapt to the growing demands of urbanisation. I believe that extant global and local environmental challenges, standards and ever- changing protocols facilitate an obligation on the part of hotels, and large establishments to take steps to enhance this aspect of their environmental responsibility. These could include:
Do a feasibility study: Before installing a private wastewater system, establishments should work with environmental and engineering consultants to conduct a feasibility study. This will help determine the right technology, capacity and design for their specific needs.
Work with GWI: establishments could coordinate with GWI to align their systems with public infrastructure, ensuring that any wastewater they produce is appropriately treated before being discharged into the environment. This could help avoid overloading the existing system.
Think of wastewater recycling: Large establishments, especially hotels, should explore opportunities to recycle treated wastewater for non- potable uses. This could reduce the demand on both the public water supply and the sewage system.
Implement green building practices: Integrating wastewater treatment systems as part of broader green building practices will enhance sustainability and corporate responsibility. using water- efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and low- impact development can reduce the overall wastewater load.
Yours truly,
Royston King
