Dear Editor,
I acknowledge that some development work has been taking place in various communities following the injection of $65 billion into the water sector between 2020 and 2024, as stated by Mr. Shaik Baksh.
According to Mr. Baksh, access to potable water in Guyana has increased from 96% in 2020 to 98.3% in 2024—a 2.3% improvement after a substantial investment. However, I question whether this spending has truly translated into meaningful improvements for the average Guyanese household.
I ask my fellow citizens: Has this investment ensured that water reaches upstairs homes without the need for a pump? Are residents in many villages still receiving rusty water through their pipes?
Does the water in some areas still have an unpleasant odor?
With such a large sum spent, these are the questions we must ask to determine whether we are getting value for money. Mr. Baksh appears to be in political defense mode, justifying that 98.3% of citizens have access to clean and reliable water. However, based on the persistent complaints from many communities, I believe it may take another three to five years before we achieve that level of success.
I do not doubt that increased oil revenues will lead to greater water infrastructure improvements in the future, and I welcome that prospect. However, at present, many citizens continue to complain about unreliable service and poor water quality. The reality on the ground suggests that, despite the significant investment, the water situation in many areas remains deplorable.
This is a matter that deserves greater scrutiny, and I urge the authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure that every Guyanese household benefits from clean, reliable water—not just on paper, but in reality.
Sincerely,
Blane R Bunbury