Wells built for 25 years only last five - 18 will cost $200M to rectify

Wells built for 25 years only last five – 18 will cost $200M to rectify – GWI

Aug 13, 2016 News

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently in the process of rectifying 18 defective wells located throughout the country. The cost is in excess of $200M.
These wells, according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, are among those that were drilled and encased with carbon steel casings within the last five years. He opined that the wells should have a life of 25 years, on average, however the agency is encountering these problems just one to two years later.
He also pointed out that the problems being experienced are major challenges and were inherited from the previous GWI administration.
One of the problems is the fact that the carbon steel casings were rapidly corroding.
Dr. Van West-Charles is of the opinion that the materials purchased were of inferior quality. As if to solidify his claim, he made reference to a well in Fyrish, Berbice – which also consists of carbon steel – that has been serving that community for over 50 years.
He said that the rapid breakdown in many cases is due to the high level of acidity in the soil in certain areas and this, combined with inferior carbon steel, only ‘makes matters worse.’
The GWI boss said that the agency will be looking to re-sleeve the wells with more suitable materials that can withstand the acidity in the soil such as stainless steel or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Dr. Van West-Charles pointed out that the wells which have the aforementioned sleeves are withstanding the conditions below the soil’s surface and represent the go-to method for several countries, including neighbouring Suriname. He added that the PVC method is also cheaper.

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