-following tour of civil works

THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) yesterday said the US$12.3M Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is progressing as planned.

This was observed during a recent tour of the civil works by GWI Chief Executive, Mr Shaik Baksh, who was provided with an update on all progress by GWI personnel, contractor UEM Inc, and consultant EGIS EAU in association with SRKN.

A GWI press release added that the major structures of the new Amelia’s Ward Water Treatment Plant were observed to be 90% completed, as were the construction of seven (7) tanks and a high-capacity reservoir which is capable of producing 57 litres of water per second.

GWI noted that civil works for the construction of the Wisroc Water Treatment Plant are also at 90% completion, including booster stations and the installation of transmission mains. The reservoir, which is capable of holding 3500 cubic metres of water, is at 60% completion.

Additional works, including the installation of electro-mechanical components and pipeline installation, are currently being executed at both water treatment facilities, the release stated.

The Chief Executive noted that while wells are the primary source of water for the Amelia’s Ward Plant, the facility at Wisroc will utilise freshwater from the Dakoura Creek, GWI said.

“In 2013, GWI appealed to residents and stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution,” the CEO stated. “We facilitated several articles in the local press, and issued a television broadcast urging residents of Linden to protect this valuable freshwater resource. Again, we are appealing for all stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution, as this will be the major source of water for the Wisroc Plant.”

GWI stated that the installation of water service meters, which form a significant component of the LWSRP, is currently being done. This is pivotal for the overall success of the programme, since it will encourage conservation of the treated water provided by the new facilities.

The CEO further commented on the successful employment of staff from Linden within the LWSRP. “Over 70% of the staff employed under the LWSRP is from Linden,” the Chief Executive said. “This was a priority, since it was our intention that the programme (should) benefit from the skills and talent available in Linden, and that the people of Linden reap benefits in the form of employment from such a large-scale programme,” he said.

Substantial completion of civil works at both water treatment facilities is expected to be achieved in December 2014.
Upon completion, the water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward and at Wisroc would significantly improve the water service provided to the people of Linden, and enhance the overall quality of life experienced in Linden, GWI said.

(By Michel Outridge)