APNU Sounds Alarm on National Water Crisis

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised concerns over what it describes as a National Water Crisis affecting households, communities, and businesses across the country, with Region #4 being hardest hit.

According to the party, the crisis is “negatively impacting essential services, hospitals, schools, government agencies and hotels” and carries “significant consequences for our society”. APNU highlighted that “poor sanitation in schools across the country… will affect the health of teachers and children and must be addressed urgently.”

The party said residents across the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, Georgetown, and Region #3 have expressed dismay over the “poor quality water… limited quantity and the many hours they have to endure without potable water.” Citizens reportedly complained that the water is “almost always brown to rust red,” that pressure is low, and that water is “no longer available 24 hours a day in many of these communities.”

APNU criticised Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), saying the utility “continues to offer excuses for the poor services being provided to residents, in a country which is ‘the land of many waters’.” The statement added, “While many opening ceremonies are hosted for new wells, the citizens of Guyana are not benefitting from improved water service.”

Highlighting the broader significance of water, the party’s concerns align with the United Nations’ position that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, essential for human dignity and well-being. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said, “Water is humanity’s lifeblood… to our health, hygiene and survival itself”, emphasising that reliable access to water is central to human rights and equality.

Calling for urgent action, APNU urged the Government of Guyana and the management of GWI to urgently address this water crisis, noting the severe hardships it is causing citizens, including “sometimes for days they do not get water flowing through their taps.” The party further highlighted the economic impact, noting that the crisis is forcing people “to purchase water and increase their cost of living.”

APNU concluded that “The time is nigh when Guyanese must enjoy quality water as part of a plan to improve the quality of life of all Guyanese and to reduce poverty in Guyana.”