Latest update April 28th, 2026 12:30 AM
Stringent measures to be put in place for water wastage – Ali
Government says that there will be stricter penalties for citizens found wasting water.
Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, made the disclosure Monday during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Since the beginning of the El Niño conditions mid last year, many farming communities and residents have been affected and several interventions have been made by government to assist them. The conditions are expected to continue this month and possibly prevail in April. The Minister stated that there have been several reports of major fast food businesses wasting water to clean sidewalks. According to the Minister, it is clear that persons are not fully aware of the seriousness of the situation. Noting the effects of the conditions on the East Demerara Water Conservancy, the Minister pointed out that the water level there is approximately 51.80 Georgetown datum (GD) against the storage level of 53.50 GD.
Alluding to the low level of water at the Shelter Belt, which provides water for the GWI, the Housing Minister said the level of water has been 5 GD below the level (52 GD) which is normally maintained by the company.
In order to keep the level of water at a minimum of 47 GD, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been assisting the water company by pumping water at Nancy from the Conservancy into the Lamaha Canal at an approximate cost of $200,000 per day. According to Ali, the GWI’s production and delivery output to Georgetown, East Bank and the East Coast has reduced by approximately 10 to 15 percent as a result of the minimum rationing of water.
In relation to the hinterland, the Ministry has embarked on a programme to dig deeper wells and to have solar pumping systems installed.
With the recent acquisition of 35 photovoltaic pumping systems from the Japanese government, these units will be installed very shortly in the hinterland communities, Ali disclosed.
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