set for early 2025 finish

THE new headquarters building for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), located in Houston along the Mandela to Eccles Highway, East Bank Demerara, is now 40 per cent complete. This milestone was confirmed by Marlon Daniels, Executive Director of Programme Planning, Design, and Implementation at GWI, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

As part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance services across the country, GWI is committed to completing the facility by the first quarter of 2025. Daniels provided an update on the progress, stating, “I am happy to say that we are 40 per cent complete. Most of the structural works and all of the geotechnical works are done. The ground floor is cast, and we are about to cast the first floor of the structure.”

Despite occasional weather-related challenges, Daniels praised the dedication of the contractor and crew. “While the weather can be challenging at times, the contractor and crew are devoted to keeping the job moving forward. We are also working on getting the roof installed to mitigate any inconvenience from the rain,” he said.

Although the official completion deadline is set for April 2025, Daniels is optimistic that the project could be finished by the end of January 2025. “We are making good progress. Most of the external works, such as sand filling of the compound and fencing, are in progress. Despite the inclement weather and other minor challenges, we hope to complete the structure by December this year or January 2025,” Daniels added.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, shared additional insights via a telephone conversation. The new complex will feature two buildings: one housing the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the ministry’s administration, and the other serving as the GWI headquarters.

Minister Croal emphasised the need for larger, modern facilities to accommodate the expanding staff due to the ministry’s growing mandate. “The Minister of Housing and Water is one of the largest ministries in the government. To deliver effectively to the people, we need to employ a lot of people, and we must provide adequate accommodation for our staff and visitors. There is a great need for a larger building for housing and GWI,” he explained.

The new buildings are expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the ministry’s operations by providing a more comfortable working environment. The four-story GWI building is projected to cost $562 million, while the five-story housing ministry building is being built for $741.5 million.

Minister Croal reiterated the urgency of completing these projects on schedule, highlighting the government’s firm stance with contractors to meet the respective deadlines. “While our aim is not to pressure anyone, we are stern with every contractor, letting them know the urgency of the projects to be completed on the respective deadlines,” he stated.