CONSTRUCTION of a $400M water treatment plant at Lima on Essequibo Coast has started.

On a visit to the site, last week Thursday, the Guyana Chronicle found workmen preparing piles to be driven into the earth for the foundation while an office and storeroom are also being constructed.

Addressing the first site meeting, Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Alli Baksh, said he was very pleased that the project is underway and will be looking forward to its November completion.

He said it would be a boost for the region to have treated water and another plus for the Government in fulfilling promises.

The work is being done by the Trinidad company, UEM Incorporated and its Project Manager, Mr. Nanda Kumar said they specialise in the field and have executed similar contracts in other countries.

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) engineer, Mr. Ramchand Jailall said the funding is being provided by the Government of Guyana and the World Bank and 20,000 residents or 4,500 households, between Walton Hall and Queenstown, will benefit.

He said the factory is designed to last 20 years and will cater for an increased population during that time.

Jailall said the beneficiaries will receive treated water around the clock and the pressure of the flow is expected to reach 23 feet height in homes.

Also at the meeting were GWI Divisional Manager, Mr. Ravindra Deonarine and Site Engineer, Mr. Arshad Yacoub as well as Councillor of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Mr. Omesh Oditt.

Giving an update on the transmission and distribution network, Jailall said GWI is currently servicing individual tap connections and installing water meters in targeted areas.