A $1.18 billion state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was commissioned on Friday at Onderneeming, Region Two, and is expected to serve over 18,000 residents.
The spanking new plant would address long-standing challenges Essequibians face in accessing reliable and safe water.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali commissioned the facility and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to investing in Guyana’s development.
He noted that access to clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity.
“We are building a country where geography no longer determines the pace of development,” he declared. “Gone are the days when residents had to fetch water from creeks. Today, we honour the dignity of every citizen by ensuring they have access to clean, safe water.”
The Head of State outlined the government’s bold goal of achieving 100 per cent access to treated water across the coastland and hinterland regions by the end of the decade.
He explained that over $2.5 billion has already been invested in water infrastructure improvements, benefitting more than 25,000 residents.
In Onderneeming alone, the new plant, supported by two additional wells costing $125 million, will ensure that water treatment meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
President Ali also noted a $100 million investment to drill wells along the Pomeroon River, granting first-time water access to many riverine communities.
He added that new wells will be drilled in Maria’s Delight this year as part of the government’s continued push for nationwide access to treated water.
Located in Red Village, the Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant is designed to treat 10 million litres of water per day (MLD). It includes 35 kilometres of transmission mains and serves 25 communities, including Supenaam, Good Hope, Spring Garden, Aurora, Fairfield, Suddie, Maria’s Lodge, and Affiance.
Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh described the commissioning as a symbol of progress and the power of people-centred governance.
“Too many communities in Region Two have lived without treated water. Today, that is changing,” he said, noting that Supenaam now enjoys strong water pressure around the clock.
He credited the President’s 2022 vision for advancing water treatment and shared that $65 billion has been allocated to the sector, supporting a rapidly growing housing demand in Onderneeming and beyond.
The Region now boasts 87 per cent coverage for treated water, with the new plant equipped to function even during power outages.
Meanwhile, the President of the Caribbean Region for Toshiba Water Solutions America Inc., Raj Kushwaha, hailed the project as an honour and thanked the government for its trust and collaboration.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva highlighted Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration’s role in delivering on its promise for quality water access and announced plans for a similar treatment facility in the Maria’s Delight area.
Chairman of the GWI Board, Ramesh Dookhoo, described the project as a “monumental milestone” and a testament to the company’s core belief that water must be a right for all. He said that the commissioning resulted from sound management and strong public service.
