THE Guyana Water Inc (GWI) and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) yesterday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for partnership in the use of technology and to resolve challenges faced by the utility company.The MoU, signed by Chief Executive Officer of the GWI, Dr Richard Van-West Charles, and Director of IAST, Dr Suresh Narine, specifies that the IAST will act as a technology provider, advisor and implementer of technology solutions to enhance the operations and find solutions to the difficulties experienced by GWI.

Dr Narine told the gathering that the MoU was long delayed, and he was pleased to see it finally come to fruition. He noted that the state-owned IAST is mandated to pursue the development of natural human resources and technology.

GWI is focusing on providing to Guyana quality potable water, which is vital for survival; and with the IAST’s state-of-the-art laboratory, where in-depth analysis can be carried out this GWI/IAST partnership is quite unique and is one of the best in the Caribbean.

Dr Narine pointed out that IAST enjoys a strong relationship with Trent University in Canada, which is among the top three universities in the world. He said this IAST/GWI MoU will bring into play fresh water science and improved water quality.

He explained that IAST is seeking to work with GWI in water quality and safety, and in auxiliary areas such as employment of alternative green technology or energy and in studying the water systems in Guyana.

“Although we are known as the ‘Land of Many Waters,’ we have to manage our aquifers, since we are subject to changing climate,” Dr Narine said, and added that he recently visited the Rupununi area, where there is a serious drought and the savannahs are highly fragile eco-systems, and the extended dry season has caused massive soil erosion.

He explained that having a modern laboratory to study the water system (aquifers) will assist in water management and the use of renewable energy to deliver potable water to customers.

TRAINING
Dr Narine added that IAST would also provide training to GWI staffers, since IAST would like to offer a course at UG in freshwater engineering.

The entities will also be collaborating on building the knowledge capacity of GWI. “Another important aspect of our partnership will be training,” stated Dr Narine. “IAST will be providing training to GWI employees in the use of new technology for water-quality testing.”

According to Dr Van-West Charles, “GWI will benefit tremendously from this collaboration, especially in the areas of water quality and the management of Guyana’s water resources, through analytical testing of ground and surface water sources.”

The GWI CEO further explained that the IAST will be collaborating with GWI to test aquifers (underground sources of water), and new wells, to assess the effects of ground and surface-water changes due to the large expansion of new housing schemes and climate change.

“It is absolutely imperative to monitor the level of the aquifers that we utilise to provide consumers with water,” Dr Van-West Charles said. “Knowledge of the impact of consistently expanding new housing schemes as well as the effects of the prolonged dry weather conditions is critical to the sustainable management of Guyana’s water resources. With this new partnership with the IAST, the company is in a better position to employ technology to monitor and assess the levels of the aquifers,” he disclosed.

The newly formed partnership between the two entities is part of GWI’s overarching strategic programme to significantly enhance the quality of service provided to customers countrywide.

IAST will serve as a catalyst in the licensing of GWI drillers, and the capabilities of young engineers of the water company will be further enhanced, the GWI CEO added.

There is no time frame for the inter-agency MoU, but there will be an annual assessment by both organisations and, in time, the relations will escalate, since GWI is at the end of its strategic plan and IAST will assist in renewing that as well. The cost will be jointly shared between agencies, and the MoU serves as a foundation to access international grants (funding), which will be explored in due process.

(moutridge@guyanachronicle.com)

By Michel Outridge