In excess of $3B is to be spent on enhancing the country’s water sector and plans for improving the sewerage system in the city were also unveiled by Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali.

At a press briefing held at the ministry yesterday afternoon, Ali told members of the media that over the next 12 months his ministry would  be addressing the need for an  adequate flow of water in communities throughout Guyana.

He said that more than $195M will be spent on improving the water supply in the hinterland area. Meanwhile, $75M was received from the Japanese Government to service critical hinterland centres such as schools and health centres.  This, Ali said, is expected to be achieved through the acquisition of solar pumping systems.

The minister in his brief remarks expressed disappointment,  however, over the lack of proper consultations among key stakeholders in these areas as that leads to a breakdown in the proper feedback on the needs there.

And regarding the Georgetown sewerage system, Ali said that it was originally designed to cater for a much smaller population.  He said that $1.1B would be allotted to developing this system. Additionally, he said that the ministry has seen to the procurement of 24 pumps to enlarge the sewerage system.

As part of the capital infrastructure to respond to the needs of these sectors, the Water and Housing Minister said that $1B from the government’s turnaround plan will also be used in these development ventures and thousands would benefit from improved water supplies countrywide.