– to come on stream in May/June

THE construction work at the Parika water treatment plant on the East Bank Essequibo is progressing quickly and is anticipated to be finished by May or June this year.

Shaik Baksh, the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), led a site visit on Tuesday for the company’s board members to observe the ongoing construction.

The CEO stated that there are seven treatment plants being constructed nationwide, while several others are undergoing rehabilitation.

As per Baksh’s interview with the Guyana Chronicle, construction was initiated in November 2022 and is scheduled to be finalized by June of the current year, at the latest. He further stated that although construction is progressing ahead of schedule, they anticipate timely completion of construction at the remaining six plants within this year in order to provide additional benefits to a larger number of Guyanese.

“The structures that are being put up are far advanced and I’m very optimistic that it can be completed by May/June this year,” he said.

During the onsite explanation, it was clarified that once finished, the water treatment facility is projected to have the capacity to supply water to a population of 1,900 inhabitants and additionally distribute water to the upper levels of all buildings within the designated service area.

The construction of the treatment plant, costing $850 million, will be supported by two wells. These wells are anticipated to adequately supply the plant’s demand and generate sufficient water to meet a daily demand of approximately 4.5 mega litres.

In the meantime, Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo of the GWI board expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to conduct an inspection of the ongoing construction and witness the progress made.

He added that this plant will bring immense benefit to the residents in the Parika area and even beyond.

In accordance with this objective, he observed that efforts have commenced on the transmission mains, an essential component in the distribution of water to the inhabitants. “We hope that by the end of this project, which is way ahead of its schedule, that persons will get water in the top flat of their homes,” Dookhoo added.