The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), is undertaking extensive upgrades to Georgetown’s water transmission and distribution network. The initiative seeks to replace aging infrastructure, some of which is over a century old, and improve water service delivery across the city.

Over recent years, GWI has been diligently working to modernize its systems in Georgetown. However, the upgrades often lead to temporary water service disruptions, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, emphasized the need for these critical upgrades, noting that the existing infrastructure cannot sustain the level of service the government aims to provide.
“These works will help upgrade the water distribution network in the city, allowing pipes to be replaced and enabling customers to receive a higher level of service,” Minister Rodrigues explained.

The upgrades will lead to increased water pressure and cleaner water for residents, as the new infrastructure will be less prone to leaks. However, the Minister acknowledged that the process is both costly and time-consuming and can cause inconvenience to the public.
Thus far, GWI has completed upgrades in several areas, including: Republic Street (from Eping Avenue to Lamaha Street) and Shelterbelt to Church Street and onwards to East Street.

Future works are planned from East Street to the Bank of Guyana area. Currently, the network is being upgraded in: Broad Street to Pegasus Hotel, Cemetery Road (from Square of the Revolution to Sussex Street), and to date, approximately $2 billion has been invested in these projects.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to extend its efforts to the following areas, pending budget approval: Lamaha Street to David Street, Kitty, Water Street (from Church Street to Marriott Hotel), David Street (from Sheriff Street to Vlissengen Road), and Brickdam (from Square of the Revolution to Avenue of the Republic).

The estimated cost for these additional upgrades is $1.5 billion, which will be included in this year’s budget proposal to the National Assembly.
Other areas, including Subryanville, Bel Air, and Atlantic Ville, are also set to benefit from the transmission upgrades as part of the broader initiative.

Minister Rodrigues reassured residents that these efforts are part of a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade strategy for Georgetown. “This is not random. We have completed many areas already,” she said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing water services for all citizens.
With significant progress made and ambitious plans for the future, the Ministry of Housing and Water remains steadfast in its goal to modernize Georgetown’s water distribution system and ensure improved access to clean, reliable water for residents.