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GWI working to improve water system in Linden

May 04, 2009 News

The mining town of Linden still has asbestos piping, despite efforts by Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) to replace some of them.
This is according to Scientific Services Manager of GWI, Savitrie Jettoo, who noted that financing is a major bugbear for the institution in replacing the pipes.
She explained that the key problem in Linden is a leaking system.
There is a national non-revenue water reduction programme that is looking at leakages and illegal water uses.
Jetoo said that during the course of the project, GWI installed new chlorination systems in all the plants in Linden at a cost of $5M.
“Even though we have installed these systems, there are still challenges in atomising the use of the systems and we have recognized that, and so we have partnered with PAHO who has donated some instruments,” Jetto said.
According to Jettoo, since 2005, the water company has spent close to $112 million in water supply in the country, to rehabilitate water treatment plants.
In 2005 – 2006, GWI rehabilitated West Watooka, Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc plants. From 2007 to last year, Jettoo said, the focus has shifted to upgrading the supplying network and reduction of non-revenue water.
“So this non-revenue water reduction drive is throughout and it’s actually the most important tool that the company is standing on right now. That takes the form of replacing old transmission distribution lines with new upgrades, metering and fixing of leaks.”
She added that the water supply program for Linden is focusing mainly on the consolidating of efforts of partners involved in the program.
“So we are not going to come here to say that we are going to build a new treatment plant…no. We are going to look at what we have and look at ways to make it better to assure the safety of water, reaching you, the customer.”
Jetto revealed that the 2009 Government of Guyana program for Linden is estimated at $50 million.
In this regard, she noted that GWI is interlinking the East and West Banks of the Demerara River, which would allow for improved system, efficiency and reliability, as supply can be boosted either way in event of shortfall.
“If you have more supply, then you have greater flexibility in the event of disruption.”
She noted that the alternative water services is linked to the rehabilitation of the West Wootooka plant, where GWI is looking at a better quality alternative source than the Demerara River, such as putting old wells back into operation and assessing the quality of creek water and at the cost benefits analysis.
Meanwhile, according to Jetto, in a household water survey that was done recently, it was found that diarrhea was more linked to poor sanitation than water supply and quality issues.
“This says basically to you that your health is in your own hands. So these are some things that we need to address.”
In this instance, she noted that GWI in collaboration with a number of partners are targeting public education, as currently some initiatives have already been implemented in educating the public on how to keep their water safe for use.

(Fareeza Haniff)

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