–Auditor General’s 2023 report shows

FOLLOWING a thorough review of billions of dollars in strategic investments by the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Auditor General’s 2023 report confirmed, yet again, that the PPP/C administration remains committed to its pledge of ensuring improved water distribution systems for coastal and hinterland regions.

Expounding on this front, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, recalled that the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had signed Loan Agreement №. 20/SFR-GUY for the “Water Supply Improvement Project.”
The sum of $1 billion was allotted to the Ministry of Housing and Water for the period under review to improve water supply services in areas such as Walton Hall to Charity, Leguan, Wakenaam, Bush Lot and Tain to №.50 Village.
It also covered the costs associated with a study to ascertain feasibility for treatment of surface water from Hope Canal and institutional strengthening to increase access to potable water. According to the Appropriation Accounts, as at December 31, 2023, amounts totalling $117.866 million were properly expended.

Turning his attention to Hinterland Water Supply, it was noted that the sum of $1.400 billion was allotted to the ministry for the period under review to provide for the completion of wells and distribution network in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine; well drilling materials, solar photovoltaic systems, and electromechanical equipment.

The allocation also covered pipes, fittings, spares and accessories for water supply systems; and new wells and water supply systems in Regions One, Two and Nine, to improve potable water supply and operational efficiency. According to the Appropriation Accounts, as at 31 December 2023, the entire sum was expended. No red flags were cited in this regard.

With respect to coastal water supply, the Auditor General said the sum of $12 billion was allotted to the ministry for the period under review. This covered the construction and rehabilitation of water treatment plants in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, along with the upgrading of transmission mains and procurement of water meters, meter boxes, to improve water supply and the health and well-being of residents. According to the Appropriation Accounts, as at December 31, 2023, the entire sum was expended.
Importantly, the Auditor General pointed out that the sum of $1.645 billion was allotted to the ministry for the period under review which covered the costs for a well at Turkeyen, Sophia, Shelter Belt, Central Ruimveldt and Ameila’s Ward.

Also catered for was the upgrading of transmission mains in Georgetown and the rehabilitation of Georgetown sewer stations to improve the health and well-being of residents. According to the Appropriation Accounts, the entire sum was expended.
With substantial investments made in infrastructure, from well-drilling and solar-powered systems in remote regions to extensive upgrades of water treatment plants and sewer stations in urban areas, the government has taken measurable steps toward ensuring reliable, safe water access for all Guyanese.