By Nakasia Logan – January 2, 2025
The year 2024 saw significant advancements in Guyana’s water sector, with notable improvements in services and expanded access to treated water, particularly in remote areas.
President Irfaan Ali highlighted these achievements during his year-end press conference.
As of the end of 2024, 98.3 percent of the population now has access to potable water, a considerable increase from previous years.
One of the standout accomplishments was the dramatic improvement in water access for hinterland and riverine communities, where coverage surged from 46 percent in 2020 to 91 percent by the end of 2024.
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) played a pivotal role in this progress with the construction of seven new water treatment plants.
Six of these plants are already undergoing testing and are expected to be fully operational by the end of January 2025, which will provide treated water to over 134,000 residents.
In addition to the new plants, GWI is undertaking an upgrade of 12 existing water treatment plants, with four already completed.
These upgrades are expected to be finished by mid-February 2025, enhancing water quality and distribution for over 34,000 people.
Another significant development is the installation of 15 small in-line treatment plants aimed at providing treated water to more than 70,000 residents in small communities across the coastland.
Two of these plants are already being installed, with the remaining 13 expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Furthermore, GWI has drilled more than 126 new wells across the country, with an additional 70 wells expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
These efforts are aimed at ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for communities across the country.
In 2024, the National Assembly approved a budget of 100.5 billion dollars for the Housing and Water Sector, which will further support these initiatives and continue to improve water services for all residents.
With these efforts, GWI remains committed to providing reliable water services to every community, regardless of location, and ensuring that every citizen has access to safe, potable water.