IN response to concerns about irregular water quality in Guyana, the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh, announced plans to install 15 small treatment plants across the coastal belt. These new facilities are part of a broader effort to address water quality issues and ensure a more consistent supply of clean water to residents.

During a recent press conference, Baksh outlined the timeline for the new plants, stating, “These plants are expected to arrive here by the end of this year and will be installed by the first quarter of 2025. We expect at least 90 percent coverage of treated water on the coastal belt.”
The coastal belt has faced significant challenges with water quality, prompting GWI and the government to make substantial investments in water treatment infrastructure. Baksh emphasised that building these treatment plants is crucial for delivering clear, clean water to communities along the coast.
To date, seven large treatment plants have already been constructed in Regions Two, Three, Four, and Six, including areas on the East Bank and East Coast Demerara, as well as Region Five. Baksh also revealed that work on five additional treatment plants is set to begin before the end of this year.
One persistent issue in the region has been the high iron content in the water, which Baksh acknowledged has been a long-standing problem. However, he noted that recent investments have allowed GWI to address the iron levels, particularly in water drawn from the aquifer system.

Iron in water can present itself in different forms, each requiring specific treatment methods. The three common types of iron found in water are ferrous iron, which appears clear but turns red or brown after exposure to air; ferric iron, which gives water a red or yellow colour when it first comes out of the faucet; and organic iron, typically yellow or brown, but sometimes colourless. Shallow wells or those affected by surface water are more likely to contain organic iron, according to information from the Minnesota Department of Health.
As GWI continues its efforts to improve water quality, the installation of these new treatment plants represents a significant step toward ensuring that residents along Guyana’s coastal belt have access to safe and clean water.