– over 10,000 residents expected to benefit from new wells and water distribution works.
THE government of Guyana has laid the foundation to better develop access to water across the country. The mid-year report, produced by the Ministry of Finance, highlights that $2.9 billion was spent to expand access to safe and reliable potable water in the first half of 2026, with more than 100,000 Guyanese set to benefit from projects that are either underway or scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. While this represents only a portion of the $21.6 billion allocated, the work done in the first six months of 2026 has impacted communities nationwide, with access to water expanding and a number of hinterland communities benefitting from new wells.
The $2.9 billion invested in the first half of the year saw the government lay the groundwork for efforts to ensure nationwide access to safe and reliable potable water. During this period, work advanced on wells across the country, including at Westminster, Yarrowkabra, Melanie Damishana, No. 56 Village, Johanna and Yakusari. Work on these wells is expected to be completed in the second half of the year. Moreover, the latter six months of 2026 will see works begin on new wells at several areas including Vergenoegen, Central Ruimveldt, Better Hope and Port Mourant. These wells, once completed, will benefit over 100,000 residents. Additionally, works on extensions to transmission and distribution systems are expected to begin at areas including Catherine, Airy Hall, Brothers, Gibraltar, Mibicuri, Nigg, Hampshire and Three Miles in Bartica. This push will provide first-time access to over 6,500 residents. Together, these initiatives will benefit over 106,500 residents upon completion.
Access to potable water was also expanded in Guyana’s hinterland communities, backed by a $430.4 million investment in the hinterland water supply programme. As the report outlined, the first six months of 2026 saw works advance significantly, including the completion of over 30 new wells in areas such as Mora, Siriki, Baracara, Kamarang, Micobie, Kwatamang and Old England. These wells are benefitting over 10,000 residents. Additionally, works were completed on an elevated trestle water system at Kangaruma and a solar PV system at Isseneru in Region 7. In the second half of 2026, the report highlights that work will advance on wells at several areas including Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Lower Moraikobai, Orealla, Siparuta, Batavia, Campbelltown, Mahdia, Sand Hills and Ebini, as well as water supply systems at areas including Bethany, Mashabo, Batavia, Waramadong, Kato, Moco Moco, Yupukari, Katoka and Meriwau. Furthermore, work is expected to commence on solar PV systems at areas including Baramita and Jawalla, to benefit over 4,000 residents.
Investment was also geared towards ensuring water quality and service, with the government commissioning a new plant at Five Miles, Bartica, which will serve approximately 6,000 residents. Additionally, works have advanced on several large water treatment plants, including five new plants at Maria’s Delight, Wakenaam, Leguan, Adventure and Bath, which are on schedule for completion this year, and the new surface water treatment plant at Hope. The Hope project also includes the laying of over 33 km of new transmission system from Cane Grove to Cove and John, to facilitate the efficient operation of the plant, which is also expected to be completed this year. These initiatives will benefit over 90,000 residents when completed. In the second half of 2026, works are expected to commence on several other new water treatment plants, including the upgrading of Shelter Belt and six small water treatment plants at areas including Providence, Agricola, Turkeyen, Mon Repos, De Hoop and Calcutta. Works are also expected to commence on the surface water treatment plant at Diamond.
Overall, the projects outlined in the report will reach residents in communities nationwide. New wells and system extensions set to begin in the second half of the year will benefit over 106,500 residents once completed, while solar PV systems in the hinterland are set to serve over 4,000 residents. The new wells already completed in hinterland communities are benefitting over 10,000 residents, and the five new treatment plants and the surface water treatment plant at Hope will serve over 90,000 residents when completed. As the second half of the year unfolds, works on wells, transmission systems and treatment plants are expected to move ahead, with several projects due for completion before the end of 2026, further improving access to safe and reliable water across the country.
