— new GWI facility at Amelia’s Ward brings affordable drinking water closer to households

RESIDENTS of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10, are welcoming the opening of a new bottle-refilling station by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), which now allows them to access purified drinking water for just $100 per five-gallon bottle.
The facility, officially commissioned on Thursday, forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to safe, reliable and affordable drinking water across Guyana.
For residents, the new station means spending less money on bottled water and travelling shorter distances to access drinking water.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Linden Town Clerk Lennox Gasper welcomed the initiative, noting that the facility was strategically located in Amelia’s Ward, a growing community where new residents continue to settle.
He said the station would provide much-needed financial relief to households that regularly purchase bottled drinking water.

“This initiative will ease a lot of the finances as it relates to dealing with bottled water,” Gasper said.
He described the $100 charge for a five-gallon refill as affordable and competitive, while expressing appreciation to the government and GWI for bringing the service to the community.
Residents also expressed satisfaction with the facility, particularly its convenience and affordability.
“It is a good initiative because normally I does got to go down the road and now they are very close to me,” one resident said.
Another welcomed the savings the facility would provide.
“It is cheaper here, and it is saving money in people’s pockets,” the resident said.
MORE INVESTMENTS FOR LINDEN
Meanwhile, GWI Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh said the Amelia’s Ward facility forms part of a wider programme to expand access to affordable drinking water.
He also highlighted ongoing plans to improve water supply in Linden, including the development of a water source from the West Watooka Conservancy.
According to information shared on GWI’s Facebook page, the agency is also considering establishing another bottle-refilling station on the opposite side of the Demerara River in Linden.
The additional facility would further expand access to affordable, purified drinking water for residents across the mining town.
The Amelia’s Ward station is among several initiatives being undertaken by GWI, an agency under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, to improve water services and reduce the financial burden on households.
For residents, the investment represents another welcome development in their community.
“There is a lot of good things happening under GWI and we welcome it,” one resident said.