PM tells stakeholders ahead of important water conference

CLIMATE change continues to be a pertinent issue for all, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips maintained, as he called for the Caribbean to unite to address issues of this nature before it is too late.

He implored stakeholders to pay attention to those issues during his remarks on Monday during the curtain raiser for the 32nd Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition, which was held at the Marriott Hotel.
“The Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Conference must lead the way in recognizing and committing to the interlinked nature of these issues. By integrating climate- change resilience into our water strategies and policies, we can safeguard our communities, ecosystems, and the future of our planet,” the Prime Minister said, adding that only through sustained efforts a more secure and resilient future can be achieved.

Touching on the topic of climate change, he said that this issue could pose a hindrance to the Region’s water supply.
“Climate change presents a potent challenge to our Region’s water supply. It is an issue which I hope will engage you at and beyond this conference,” Phillips said.
While expounding on some of the concerning global statistics, the Prime Minister urged those in the audience to answer the call to action.
Amidst the El Nino period that Guyana and other Caribbean countries are undergoing, he said the conference could not be timelier.
Speaking on some of the effects that have been plaguing Guyana, the Prime Minister said: “Local farmers, the backbone of our agricultural sector, have already begun to express concerns about the severe dry conditions that are parching grasslands and affecting access to water for their crops and livestock.”
Phillips also made some recommendations on how the Region can improve its water management, such as investing in modern water infrastructure and technology.
He also explained that this includes the updating and expansion of water-treatment facilities, pipelines, and distribution systems, in order to minimize losses due to leaks and ensure reliable access to clean water.

Additionally, he remarked that sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling should be encouraged, as a means of reducing the strain on freshwater sources.

The Prime Minister then proposed the promotion of public awareness and education.
“Communities must understand the value of water and the impacts of wasteful practices. Public campaigns and educational programmes can foster a culture of water conservation,” he said.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister acknowledged the CWWA for their constant implementation of innovative solutions and practices in water and wastewater management.
Meanwhile, Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, underscored the importance of having access to clean water and how their administration is working assiduously to ensure that this basic human right reaches all Guyanese.
“The Government of Guyana is committed to investing in water infrastructure, promoting water conservation and ensuring that every citizen has access to clean water,” Rodrigues said.
The minister also said that in March of this year, Guyana completed a draft national water sector policy and then proudly remarked that this policy will provide a comprehensive outlook on water governance and water-resource sustainability.

The 32nd Annual CWWA Conference and Exhibition is set to take place at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, in Georgetown from October 24th (today) to 26th, 2023.
The theme for this year’s conference is, “Accelerating Change in the Water, Wastewater and Waste Sectors.”