PPP/C government commissions G$1.18B treatment facility, fulfilling promise of safe tap water in Region Two
ANNA REGINA, Essequibo – Clean, treated drinking water is now flowing to thousands of homes on the Essequibo Coast for the first time, after President Dr. Irfaan Ali on May 23 commissioned a state-of-the-art water treatment plant at Onderneeming, Region Two. The modern facility – a G$1.18 billion (US$5.6 million) investment – will serve over 18,000 residents across more than two dozen communities, marking a major stride in the government’s drive to provide safe potable water to all Guyanese.
Located at Red Village, just outside Anna Regina, the new treatment plant employs rapid sand filtration and chlorination technology to purify up to 10 million litres of water per day (MLD) from the Tapakuma Conservancy. It includes some 35 kilometers of newly laid transmission mains linking villages from Supenaam to Suddie and beyond. This means that for residents in areas like Good Hope, Affiance, and Johanna Cecilia – many of whom previously relied on shallow wells or creek water – potable water is now accessible at the turn of a tap.
At the commissioning ceremony, President Ali underscored the transformative impact: “We are building a country where geography no longer defines development,” he told a cheering crowd. He reminded older residents how, not long ago, many Essequibians had to fetch water in buckets from creeks or depend on rainwater. “Access to clean water is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right,” Ali said, reaffirming that his administration will ensure even rural and hinterland communities get services on par with the capital.
The President noted that more than $2.5 billion has been invested since 2020 to improve water access nationwide, benefiting 25,000 additional residents to date. The Onderneeming plant is part of that push – supported by drilling of two new wells costing G$125 million – and further wells are planned at Maria’s Delight and other spots to address remaining pockets with poor water quality. The ultimate goal: 100% of Guyana’s population using treated water by 2025, up from about 52% in 2020.
Local residents are already seeing changes. “The water coming out now is crystal clear compared to what we used to get,” said a teacher from Suddie, noting that previously tap water was often discoloured or had to be boiled. At the launch, community members eagerly filled bottles from standpipes to taste the filtered supply – a novelty for some older folks. One mother from Adventure village said she’s relieved that her children can drink straight from the tap without her worrying about waterborne illnesses. Health workers in the region expect reductions in gastroenteritis and diarrhea cases, which historically spiked in dry seasons when pond water was used.
This achievement carries political resonance as well. The Essequibo Coast is traditionally an opposition-leaning (APNU) area, but development initiatives like this water plant may help the ruling PPP/C make inroads. Region Two’s Regional Chairman lauded the project and revealed that tendering is underway for another treatment pl
ant at Charity, Pomeroon – meaning the entire region could have treated water soon. Equitable access to services is a key mantra of the Ali administration’s “One Guyana” policy, and this project is tangible proof, delivered ahead of schedule.
The Onderneeming facility was built by Toshiba Water Solutions (part of Japan’s Toshiba Group) in partnership with local contractors. Construction began in 2022, and despite pandemic delays on imported components, it finished earlier this year. It features automated monitoring systems and standby solar power to ensure continuous operation. Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) engineers will operate the plant, having undergone training by Toshiba. At the launch, GWI’s CEO Shaik Baksh hailed it as a “technological and social milestone” for Region Two, proclaiming that “GWI is standing tall today because Region Two is developing, and that development belongs to every corner”.
President Ali, who wore a hardhat emblazoned with the slogan “Water is Life” during the tour, used the occasion to link infrastructure to dignity. “The government believes in its people, and an investment in water is an investment in the dignity of the people,” he said. He recounted anecdotes of families spending hours daily fetching or treating water, time that can now be redirected to productive activities. With reliable treated water, communities can also expect boosts in small businesses (e.g., food processing requires clean water) and overall quality of life.
Beyond Essequibo, the government is executing similar projects countrywide: new treatment plants have been built or are underway in regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 (including a large one in Diamond on the East Bank Demerara). In its 2025 budget, the government allocated G$17.7 billion for the water sector, a significant increase, to continue drilling wells, expanding networks, and reducing non-revenue water losses. These efforts are partly funded through oil revenues and soft loans from agencies like the Caribbean Development Bank. The emphasis is not only on urban centers but also hinterland water systems – last year, 30 new solar-powered wells were commissioned in indigenous villages.
For residents of the Essequibo Coast, long considered Guyana’s “Cinderella county” due to perceived neglect in the past, projects like the Onderneeming plant are concrete evidence of change. It demonstrates that the benefits of the oil boom and development agenda are reaching beyond Georgetown. As 58-year-old farmer Kumar (who lives in Good Hope) put it, “We have waited decades for running water that we can drink. Now it’s here.” Seeing clear water gush from his pipe for the first time, he added with a smile, “Better late than never.”
Region: Essequibo Coast (Region 2)
Sources: GWI (Guyana Water Inc.) Press Release; Regional Democratic Council Region 2; Guyana Chronicle
