The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) engaged more than 60 contractors at a recent workshop to inform them of its standards as regards undertaking major projects in the water sector.

The workshop was held under the theme ‘Building Partnership with the Private Sector’, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. It focused on standard work practices and procedures that reflect a positive image of GWI and procurement practices for a more efficient processing of contracts.

GWI Chief Executive Officer Karan Singh said the water sector is the most critical element for the development of the country and in recognition of this importance government has recognized has expended more than $7B to upgrade it. He said this includes operational expenditure as well as capital investments that have been pooled to allow GWI to boost the quality of its service. Singh also said it is necessary to build partnerships with contractors to help deliver quality service.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GWI Cyril Solomon told contractors that their role in delivering potable water to consumers is critical and that they are key allies with GWI in achieving this objective. He urged contractors to ensure that their companies are organized and equipped with the necessary financial and human resources to perform at the highest level of efficiency.

Solomon also told them that GWI loses billions of dollars when quality water is not produced. At the conclusion of the workshop, Solomon said he is hopeful that contractors will become more knowledgeable and better able to prepare optimal tender documents.

GINA said too that information on bid preparation, types of contracts, GWI’s projects, specifications and claims, anti-fraud policy and ethical standards were disseminated to the contractors. Also, officials from the Public Works and Finance ministries shared ideas on the quality of work expected and the government’s policies in maintaining transparency in all projects. The workshop was billed as “refresher course” for contractors who participated in a similar one last year. It was held at Le Meridien Pegasus.