GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) will soon build a $540 million state-of-the-art corporate complex at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Tender is already out for the building of the new three-storey corporate office, which when completed will house the Hinterland Department; the Human Resource Department; the Climate Change and Adaptation Unit; the Projects Department; Corporate Services; the Audit Department; the CEO’s Secretariat; the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit; the Communication Unit and the Business Development Unit of the water utility.

According to the company, some of the features will include elevators for easy commute around the building, a modern training or conference room, printer room and kitchens, all designed to enable an environment that is conducive to work.

The building will cover a space of some 20, 410 square feet and will be the place of employment for 111 staff. The land space that will house the new corporate office covers some 43, 442 square feet and will include a parking lot that will accommodate more than 50 vehicles.|

GWI has been making significant progress in improving access to and the quality of water despite the geographical challenges faced in Guyana, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, who said this when the company celebrated its 21 years of serving the nation, in May 2023.

Baksh, who signed the vesting order establishing GWI 21 years ago during his tenure as Housing and Water Minister, acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.
He emphasised GWI’s commitment to aggressively enhance the level and quality of service provided to customers.

Over the next two to three years, GWI aims to ensure widely available access to treated water. The government has already invested $14.5 billion this year to enhance and expand water services.

Guyana is actively working towards providing 90 per cent of its population with access to potable water by 2025. As part of this effort, 13 new treatment plants will be constructed across the country, and an additional 12 existing plants will be upgraded.

“We kindly request the understanding of the population as we actively strive to meet their need for clean, safe water,” Baksh stated, emphasising the focus on improving water quality and service in both coastal and hinterland regions.

The hinterland regions are served through the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, which provides residents with access to safe water and hygiene facilities.
GWI’s commitment to enhancing access to water and delivering quality customer service has been reinforced over the years through collaboration with local and international partners.
In addition to improving water access and quality for customers, GWI is also prioritising the improvement of working conditions for its employees, recognising their vital role in the organisation’s advancement.

Efforts are underway to secure further funding for professional development, and new buildings have been constructed for staffers in Regions Five and Nine, with offices in Regions Two, 10, and on the East Bank of Demerara being refurbished and equipped.