–in bid to enhance efficiency of water-quality testing

GUYANA Water Inc. (GWI) on Monday reported that it has commenced the process to attain ISO 17025:2005 accreditation of the company’s Scientific Services Laboratory. A press statement added that the laboratory is pivotal to water- quality testing, since it is utilised to monitor the output of GWI well stations and water- treatment facilities countrywide.
GWI said ISO accreditation of the laboratory is a primary objective of GWI. Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, stated that efficiently monitoring the quality of the product GWI provides to its customers is a key priority of the company.
“Due to massive investment by the Government, we have significantly improved access to potable water countrywide with over 25 water- treatment facilities,” stated the CEO. “Now our customers desire improved quality.  Testing the output of our water-production sites is a key aspect of quality improvement; hence ISO 17025:2005 accreditation is a strategic move to enhance the quality of water GWI provides to customers.”
Quality Management is pivotal to GWI as the government of Guyana has invested US$31M under the “Programme to Improve Water and Sanitation Infrastructure and Supply,” which will result in the further expansion of access to potable water services in Regions 3, 4 and 6.  “It is absolutely vital that as access to safe water expands, our capacity and efficiency in quality management must also improve,” stated Chief Executive Shaik Baksh.
The accreditation is being managed by GWI’s Scientific Services Manager, Donna Canterbury and implemented by consultant Dr. Edgar F. Paski of Analytical Solutions, Canada.  Dr. Paski met with GWI’s CEO today, Monday October 13, and provided assurance that every aspect of preparation for accreditation will be effectively implemented.
Dr. Paski possesses a Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry and has extensive knowledge in Quality Management and Laboratory Management.
The ISO 17025:2005 accreditation of the GWI laboratory will involve ensuring that the facility is deemed technically competent by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).  This will encompass ensuring that instruments and equipment used for quality testing and calibration meet the required standard of the ISO.
The process will also involve training of GWI laboratory employees by Dr. Paski.  GWI personnel involved in testing for water quality, including those responsible for collecting samples from the homes of customers, will also receive specialised training in ensuring reliable samples.
“We hope that through this process our customers are enlightened on how pivotal quality is to the operations of GWI,” stated Chief Executive Shaik Baksh. “The safety of our customers is the main thrust of seeking this type of ISO accreditation.”