Baksh promises water quality will improve in Central Georgetown

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh said efforts are being made to improve the water quality and supply in Central Georgetown to bring relief to residents soonest. He provided  the assurance during a press conference at GWI’s Corporate Office on Thursday.

According to the CEO the high levels of turbidity and sediment intake at GWI’s Shelter Belt on Church Street and Vlissengen Road resulted from the recently dredged water conservancy, which caused the sludge to build up in the system due to heavy rainfall.

GWI has two sizable canals at Shelterbelt which serve as a storage for water coming from the East Demerara Water Conservancy into the Lamaha canal.

Baksh explained that “About one month ago, we recognised that there was a problem in our canals…We observed that something was wrong with the quality of the water coming in. We did further checks and recognised that the sedimentation load coming into the plant was extremely high. We [have] never experienced such a high sedimentation load in all the years.”  That he said, led to GWI implementing steps to remedy the crisis. Reportedly several teams are currently working to flush the water from the system.

Bashk said overload of sedimentation in the system has affected the quality of the water that is provided to the residents. And whilst he sought to assure consumers GWI is already seeing some relief complaints remain high about the poor quality of water.

The ongoing water crisis has cast a spotlight on the performance of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, under which GWI operates. Despite the repeated assurances of “emergency works” and updates via social media, there has been little transparency or accountability from the authorities. The lack of a clear and comprehensive explanation from government officials only fuels the frustration of residents who feel abandoned in their time of need.