PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday ventured to the village of Onderneeming, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), to inspect a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) facility currently under construction there, as the government remains committed to delivering clean and potable water to all Guyanese.
During the tour of the facility, the president was briefed by GWI Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh, who explained that the two wells within the facility are expected to be completed within one month of each other; one in December and the other in January.

While there, President Ali seized the opportunity to remind the contractor that he expects the finished facility to meet the highest standard, and that the plan is to commission the wells soon.
And, while on the subject of standards, President Ali inquired after the sustainability of the facility, given the recent fluctuations in power supply across the country.

In response, he was told that the facility is outfitted with a back-up power system which will ensure that the flow of water remains consistent.
The expertise of the president on matters pertaining to the water sector, no doubt aided in his swift observation that there were a few minor corrections that the contractor needed to make.
“I know what I am looking for; I have been in this business a long time,” President Ali asserted.

To his credit, the contractor expressed his appreciation for Dr. Ali’s astute observation, and assured him that all the issues that have been noted will be rectified by next January.

The new $1.18 billion water treatment plant at Onderneeming will provide treated water to residents from Supenaam to Taymouth Manor along the Essequibo Coast.
This plant is part of the government’s plan to increase access to treated water along the coast from about 52 per cent to 90 per cent by the year 2025. (DPI)