GWI proud of achievements
–  $12B spent in last two years to make water services available to customers
GUYANA Water Inc. (GWI), concluding the observance of its 10th anniversary, hosted an inter-faith service, awarded employees and staged a cultural celebration at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), in Georgetown yesterday. The day’s programme began with welcome remarks by Acting Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Nigel Niles and was followed by messages from Pandit Jagmohan Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Pastor Jackman of the First Assembly of God Church and Shaik Moen Ul Hack of Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG); a bhajan by Rebastra Devi Parshad and a worship song by GWI employee Demallea Benjamin.
Next was a performance by the Classique Dance Company and reflections by former Chief Engineer David Dewar, who spoke of the vast improvements at GWI over the years.
Then GWI employee Christine Atherly sang, ‘Oh Beautiful Guyana’ before GWI Vice-Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo compared the challenges of the water sector in the past to now.
Dookhoo lauded the utility for the improvements in the billing system among other services provided and noted that, for capital works, GWI has spent $12 billion in the past two years to make water services available.
The audience also saw a chutney medley performed by Rajesh Dubraj and the presentation of prizes and trophies to GWI’s employees with 10 years’ service and Employee of the Year 2011.
Guyana Chronicle Reporter Michel Outridge was awarded as the GWI Outstanding Media Partner and that presentation was made by Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali.
In his address to the gathering, Minister Ali said he is proud of GWI, acknowledging the improvement in the access to potable water from 89 percent in 2000 to 97 percent in 2009.

MILESTONES
“These are milestones all Guyanese should celebrate as the water utility observes its 10th anniversary. More access to safe water means an improved quality of life for Guyanese,” he asserted.
Ali made reference to several new treatment facilities established by GWI which have enhanced communities countrywide.
He mentioned: “In East and West Berbice, the Cotton Tree Treatment facility, Queenstown and Number 56 Village plants have tremendously improved the economic, social and education sectors.”
Ali said, in Essequibo, the Lima Water Treatment Plant has opened more opportunities for business and residents have access to water which fulfils World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
In addition, he said the Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme is, currently, being executed and will encompass the construction of two new treatment facilities which will further enhance the lives of residents in that township.
Ali declared that, indeed, this 10th anniversary milestone is to be celebrated and he applauded the work of GWI for managing to consistently enhance water production sites and improving the quality of life for Guyanese countrywide.
He announced that the agency will restructure the tariff system for all customers by 2015 and it is the goal that must be met for continued improvement and progress at GWI.
The minister also acknowledged that GWI has come a far way, become more accountable and transparent and challenged all sections of the private and public sectors to request an audit of the system if they are in doubt that GWI has improved operations and implemented measures to foster proper management.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
However, he urged the media to also report on GWI’s progress and accomplishments, observing that, despite the challenges and constraints, it has been improving and, as such, can see the celebration of 10 years in existence because of its work focus.
GWI began celebrating the milestone on May 1, with a series of events for employees, including a grand family fun day as well as several sporting activities across the corporation’s various branches.
In addition, customers were offered tokens to win prizes by playing the GWI 10th anniversary Trivia Game on the company’s Facebook fan page and students countrywide were given tokens as well, as part of the schools visitation programme.
GWI was established on May 30, 2002 following a merger of the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commission (GS&WC) and the Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA). It delivers water services for all Guyana, including large sections of the hinterland.