CENTRAL Georgetown’s main transmission pipelines have experienced several breakages for the year 2018. Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said it is as a result of age and significant attention must be paid to the replacement of these pipelines to prevent water crises in Georgetown.

Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, Managing Director, GWI stated that in the past six months, Georgetown had approximately 10 breakages of large mains.

Two breakages occurred on the night of July 19, 2018 on Vlissengen Road in the vicinity of Popeye’s. “Just last night (Thursday night) alone, we had two breakages… both around the Popeye’s area. On completion of fixing the one in front of Popeye’s, another breakage occurred. I think this is clear evidence that we are running into the period of high risk in the Central Georgetown area because of the aged network across Central Georgetown,” Dr. Van-West Charles said.

He stated that the company has been speaking to the issue for the past two years, and it is imperative that they begin to address the matter now. The cost for the last three breakages that occurred, one in front of Cuffy and the two at Popeye’s, including replacement costs for fittings and pipes, workers’ costs, and water loss, the calculation is approximately 15 million dollars.

“We hope to have a discussion with Central Government. We believe that it is so necessary for us to address this infrastructure network,” said the managing director.
He explained that the company is improving the water production system for Sophia and seeking to improve for Central Georgetown as well. However, once these systems are up and running, Central Georgetown will experience higher pressures which can rupture the system even more. He said the risk becomes greater in terms of the availability of water if a fire occurs. He noted that one of important thing that is needed is having Central Government advance the cost for the replacement of these lines. “It is very critical and important to have these distribution systems replaced, as a matter of urgency,” he said.
GWI is currently working to repair the already broken pipelines and is making the necessary preparations for the prevention of future breakages.