$1.35B wales water treatment plant to benefit 16,000 residents

A massive $1.35 billion water treatment plant was officially commissioned on Sunday in Wales, Region Three, marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to improve access to clean water along the West Coast of Demerara.

The state-of-the-art facility will significantly transform the lives of 16,000 residents in communities such as Bell West, Goed Intent, Sisters, Patentia, Vriesland, Vive la Force, and Free and Easy.

The treatment plant is one of three planned for Region Three under the government’s Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP). Constructed by Hipro Ecologicos in partnership with S. Jagmohan Construction, the plant has the capacity to treat 8 million litres of water per day (MLD), supported by three wells, ensuring a reliable supply for the region.

The facility incorporates advanced technological systems designed to uphold high water quality standards. Additionally, sensors monitor pressure, flow, and turbidity in real time, providing accurate data to enhance efficiency.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, joined hundreds of residents for the commissioning ceremony, describing the event as a “momentous occasion” for Region Three. He emphasised that the government’s investment of $400,000 per household reflects a vision of hope, dignity, and progress, in contrast to what he described as the previous administration’s track record of broken promises and economic hardships.

“This is a story of vision versus lack thereof. This is a story of respect versus callousness. This is a story of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic forces. The rest, and I say the rest because many of them are captured in the umbrella of indignity,” the President stated.

He further highlighted the government’s substantial investments in the housing sector, noting that over 1,000 homes are either completed or under construction in the region, creating employment for approximately 5,000 individuals. The administration has also allocated nearly $90 billion for housing development within Region Three.

President Ali urged residents to acknowledge the improvements being made and to remain vigilant against misinformation.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal access to clean, treated water, which has driven bold investments in the modernisation and expansion of the water sector.

“For far too long, communities have faced the challenge of accessing safe, reliable water. But under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, we have worked unceasingly to correct years of neglect and to bring real change to our people,” Minister Croal stated.

In the past four and a half years, the government has invested $7.6 billion in Region Three’s water sector, benefiting approximately 89,000 persons. Additionally, 35 coastal wells have been drilled, nine of which are located in Region Three.

Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh, announced that the Wales Water Treatment Plant has been designed for future expansion to accommodate a growing population.

He also highlighted GWI’s remarkable success in achieving high water quality standards at the new facility. The plant has achieved an iron content level of 0.1 mg per litre, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 0.3 mg per litre.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube, applauded the Dr. Ali-led administration for its unwavering commitment to development, particularly in Region Three.

Under the CWTIP programme, the government is constructing seven new large water treatment plants,

18 small treatment plants and upgrades to 12 existing plants

Aditionally, 200 kilometres of transmission mains are being installed to improve water quality, continuity of service, and overall service levels in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.

This billion-dollar investment forms part of the government’s broader strategy to increase treated water coverage along the coast from 52 per cent (in 2020) to at least 90 per cent by the end of 2025. (DPI)

A woman drinking water from the plant as President Ali looks on.

A section of the gathering at the commissioning 

President Ali speaking  at the commissioning