–Minister Croal shares country’s achievements at eight India Water Week

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin D Croal, is currently representing Guyana at the eight India Water Week-2024, where he delivered remarks during the Ministerial Plenary Session.
The event, attended by India’s Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, and other sector ministers, focuses on inclusive water development and management. Also representing Guyana is the CEO of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Shaik Baksh.

In his address, Minister Croal highlighted Guyana’s rapid expansion of its potable water sector, driven by the country’s macroeconomic growth from the emerging petroleum industry.
He emphasised strategic initiatives such as the Water and Sanitation Sector Strategic Plan, which aim to increase access to treated water in both coastal and hinterland communities, reduce non-revenue water, and upgrade Georgetown’s aging infrastructure.

Currently, 98.8 per cent of the coastland and 82 per cent of hinterland communities have access to potable water, with the government targeting 100 per cent coverage by 2025. Plans are also in place to boost treated water coverage from 52 per cent to 90 per cent, benefitting 260,000 citizens.
Minister Croal also noted GWI’s efforts to enhance water quality management, including the construction of a state-of-the-art central water testing laboratory equipped with an ISO-17025 management system, capable of conducting chemical, microbiological, and wastewater analysis.

It was further stated that the government remains committed to climate-resilient infrastructure. India Water Week 2024 is being held from September 17-20, under the theme “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.” (Ministry of Housing and Water)