Lima Sands residents to get clear water later this year- GWI

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, 22:12 by Writer

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Monday announced that residents of Lima-Sands, Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) would get clear water by August, 2025 when a filtration system is installed to remove iron from that resource.

“As part of this initiative, a small in-line filtration system will be installed in Lima Sands by August 2025. This system will effectively treat the water, bringing it to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and significantly improving quality and clarity,” GWI said in a statement.

That utility said a contractor has already been awarded the contract to install a small water treatment plant intended to benefit the residents of Lima Sands and surrounding communities. GWI said the works would be done under the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP).

Even as residents there await clear water, GWI assured residents that “the water remains safe” but the water is discoloured primarily due to the naturally high iron content in the A-Sands aquifer, which supplies the community.

The concern about the water quality was raised during a visit by Georgetown businessman, Azruddin Mohamed to Lima Sands and other villages on the Essequibo Coast.

GWI says it understands the challenges residents face and appeals for their patience and understanding as the utility company works diligently to put this new facility in place. “We assure the public that improving water quality remains a top priority, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the most efficient and sustainable solution,” the state-owned company said.

According to the GWI, this initiative is a testament to GWI’s continued efforts to enhance water access and quality for communities nationwide. The Government of Guyana has been making tremendous investments to ensure that Guyana has 90% access to treated water by the end of 2025.

So far, significant work has been undertaken to build seven new large water treatment plants and 18 small water treatment plants and upgrade 12 existing plants at GY$40 billion. This is intended to improve water quality, continuity of service, and level of service in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the company said.