GWI, IDB, AND JICA ADVANCE PLANS FOR CLIMATE-RESILIENT SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN DIAMOND, EAST BANK DEMERARA

The Government of Guyana through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is advancing its mission to provide sustainable, high-quality water supply solutions by developing a state-of-the-art Surface Water Treatment Plant in Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Under the Guyana Climate Resilient Water Supply Improvement Programme, this initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

GWI's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shaik Baksh, led a team of technical experts in discussions with representatives from IDB and JICA during an analysis mission focused on advancing this transformative project. The engagement centered around creating a comprehensive project document, which outlines a financing strategy for complete operational and maintenance cost recovery, a detailed implementation timeline, and key performance indicators aligned with international standards. 

Once completed, the new Diamond Surface Water Treatment Plant will significantly enhance water access for thousands of residents along the East Bank corridor, ensuring a more resilient, sustainable, and efficient water supply system. The project will also reduce groundwater abstraction and improve climate adaptability through modern infrastructure and non-revenue water (NRW) reduction initiatives. 

As part of the broader Guyana Climate Resilient Water Supply Improvement Programme, the project will be supported by key infrastructure investments, including investment in Water Treatment and transmission, which seeks to construct a modern water treatment facility, raw water intake infrastructure, and 30km of new transmission mains. Further, a significant investment in a non-revenue Water Reduction Plan is expected to introduce smart metering, hydraulic modeling, and network upgrades to improve efficiency. Finally, GWI will strengthen operational management and revenue collection through modernized systems aiding digital transformation. 

GWI remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable water services while adapting to the challenges posed by climate change. GWI CEO Mr. Baksh reaffirmed the company's dedication to delivering improved service quality to residents across the country, stating, "This partnership with IDB and JICA represents a major step forward in ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient water supply for our growing communities which we are witnessing through developmental transformation and expansion. The new Diamond Surface Water Treatment Plant is a key component in our vision for a modern and efficient water system." 

Also present at this engagement was the IDB Country Representative in Guyana, Lorena Solorzano Salazar.