THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hosted a virtual debriefing session to celebrate the successful completion of a JICA-funded training programme by GWI’s Executive Director of Operations, Jawaharlall Ramjug.

The initiative underscores the deepening partnership between Guyana and Japan in advancing sustainable water management solutions.
According to a press release from GWI, Ramjug recently participated in the “Water Supply Management” course held at the JICA Okinawa International Center in Japan from January 22 to February 22, 2025.

The training focused on modern approaches to water supply, emphasising innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements.
During the debriefing, JICA’s Director of Central America and the Caribbean Division, Kota Sakaguchi, commended Guyana’s progress in water sector innovation and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting further advancements.

He highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to enhance Guyana’s water infrastructure.
GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the longstanding and productive partnership between Guyana and Japan.
He recalled a notable 2008 JICA-supported project that introduced a slow sand filtration system at the Number 56 Village Water Treatment Plant. This technology remains operational today with minimal maintenance, showcasing its durability and efficiency.

Baksh also spotlighted a major technical cooperation programme valued at US$1.1 million, jointly facilitated by JICA and the IDB.
This initiative is pivotal to GWI’s digital transformation efforts, which include developing a surface water treatment plant at Diamond and implementing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) strategies to improve efficiency and reduce water losses.

Reflecting on his training experience, Ramjug expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from global best practices and advanced technologies in water management. He noted that this exposure has significantly enhanced his capacity to contribute to modernising Guyana’s water systems.

The partnership between GWI and JICA exemplify meaningful international collaboration aimed at improving access to clean and reliable water for all Guyanese, the utility company said, adding: “As GWI continues its mission to enhance service delivery through professional development and innovative projects, this collaboration remains a cornerstone of progress in addressing the challenges of sustainable water management in a changing climate.”