Japan loans Guyana $7.2B for water sector

Jan 23, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana has secured a $7.2 billion concessional loan from the Government of Japan to boost climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, marking another major investment aimed at strengthening public utilities and improving access to safe drinking water across the country.

The agreement, which is also supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), was formalised during a signing ceremony at Ramphal House on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, where Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd exchanged diplomatic notes with Japan’s Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Akima Umezawa.

Japan loans Guyana $7.2B for water sector

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd exchanged notes with Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, Dr Akima Umezawa.

In his remarks, Minister Todd said this component of the project will focus on improving the water infrastructure in Diamond which he described as one of Guyana’s largest and ever-expanding housing schemes. “It is becoming a major hub and if the community is growing then we will have to upgrade the infrastructure, and so, we are very happy to partner with the Japanese Government, the IDB on this concessional loan and exchange of notes in the signing of this agreement which brings to bear the fact that Guyana is very focused on governing for the people of Guyana and for all,” Minister Todd said. “So, we are very happy to partner with the Japanese government and the IDB on this concessional loan and signing of notes, which brings to bear the fact that Guyana is very focused on governing for the people of Guyana,” Todd added.

According to Todd, components of the Programme were initially rolled out in Regions Two, Three and Seven. He noted “Bringing it to Region Four is important also because this is the most heavily populated region, and the upgrade improvements in the water treatment plant in Diamond fit well into our developmental plan,”

Todd said improving access to safe water is critical to enhancing citizens’ quality of life. “If we are going to ensure that we improve the quality of life of every citizen, water is very vital,” he said. Ambassador Umezawa said the project marks a historic moment, taking a significant step towards the future of Guyana-Japan relations.

He explained “Everyone knows that access to safe drinking water is one of the fundamental human need essential for our lives and health as a basic human right recognised by the United Nations. This project, “Climate Resilience Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Program”, is aimed at not only creating a safer and sustainable drinking water supply by state-of-the-art water purification facilities, but also enhancing the healthy life environment which contributes to the development of Guyana.”

Ambassador Umezawa said too that currently, Japan’s water supply system covers 100% of residents, as every household across the country has access to safe and clean water, but looking back at the history. He said that Japan through its partnership is looking to do the same for Guyana. According to the Ambassador, in the last two years, 2024-25, one Japanese company, Toshiba, has constructed four large-scale water treatment plants in this country: two plants in Region 3, Essequibo Islands – West Demerara; one in Region 2, Pomeroon Supernaam, and one in Region 7, Cuyuni Mazaruni.”

“When the Water Treatment Plant in Region 3 had its operation opening ceremony last August, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasised that it is part of the broader vision of building a modern Guyana, one that is rapidly industrialising, urbanising, and striving for long-term water resilience. The strategy is about long-term vision, about fueling economic development and ensuring every Guyanese home has access to quality water.”

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Hugh Todd, Japan-Guyana, loan, sanitation infrastructure, water sector

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