HEAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has praised President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for what he described as a “visionary and people-focused investment” following the commissioning of a state-of-the-art $850 million water treatment plant at Parika on Wednesday.

The newly launched facility, which is expected to deliver 24-hour access to treated water to over 14,000 residents in Ruby, Bushy Park, Hydronie, Parika, Lookout, Salem, Hyde Park, Roed-en-Rust, Blake, Hubu, St Lawrence, and Lookabu, marks a significant milestone in the government’s push to modernise Region Three’s infrastructure and improve public health outcomes.

Khan, a prominent private sector advocate in the region, lauded the initiative as not just an infrastructure project, but a bold investment in dignity, development, and quality of life.

“President Ali’s commitment to the people of Region Three is not just commendable—it’s transformational,” Khan stated. “This water treatment plant is more than pipes and tanks. It represents hope for families, stronger foundations for businesses, and an affirmation that no community is left behind.”

Constructed by Toshiba Water Solutions America Inc., the plant has the capacity to treat 4.5 million litres of water per day—enough to fill 18 million cups of tea. It is part of a broader water infrastructure overhaul across the region, which also includes new plants at Wales and La Parfaite Harmonie, ongoing construction in Leguan and Vreed-en-Hoop, and upgrades at Fellowship, Pouderoyen, and Vergenoegen.

Khan noted that the business community is particularly optimistic about the long-term impact of these upgrades.

“Access to clean, reliable water is fundamental to both public health and economic productivity. The government’s Integrated Water Resource Management strategy is forward-thinking and positions Region Three as a prime area for sustainable growth,” he added.
President Ali, while commissioning the plant, reaffirmed his government’s broader vision to ensure every Guyanese home has access to clean water, especially in light of Region Three’s rapid growth in housing, agriculture, and commerce.

“This is about household comfort, public health, and industrial readiness,” the President said. “We are building for the future, a modern Guyana that is resilient, inclusive, and prepared for growth.”

The plant draws its supply from two new wells drilled in 2022 and 2025. Previously, water in the region had iron levels significantly above World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, averaging six to 10 mg/L. The new facility now delivers water with iron content below 0.1 mg/L, ensuring safer consumption and cleaner domestic use.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, also reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to treated water in Region Three.

For Halim Khan and the wider private sector, this development is yet another example of the government delivering on its promises and laying the foundation for sustained regional development.

“We are witnessing meaningful progress that uplifts lives, builds investor confidence, and opens new doors for innovation and commerce in Region Three,” Khan affirmed. “This is the kind of leadership Guyana needs, and Region Three is proud to be a model of delivery and transformation.”