GWI Project Engineer, Georgetown Water Supply and Sewerage Programme II Dudistir Gookul told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the company expects to start working by the second week in April. He said GWI had signed a contract with Italian firm Hydea to commence the study that will inform an updated programme.
The study for the master plan will entail the compilation of composite drawings of the complete sewer network; condition assessments on primary elements of the sewer network pipelines to ascertain the level of physical degradation and encrustation if any; assessment of the current demand on the sewer system through an analysis of the number and classification of customers; the preparation of a detailed calibrated computer model of the sewer network to reflect the baseline study of the 24 pumping stations’ operations.
It also entails the preparation of detailed designs, specifications and cost estimates for selected interventions with rehabilitation works based on results derived from the computer model; a cost-benefit analysis of the different alternatives considered for the improvement of the Georgetown sewerage system; preparation of an environmental and social assessment of the proposed interventions under this component with IDB policies and the review of technologies available for the treatment of sewerage.
The study is also expected to make recommendations for an appropriate technology to be used by Guyana. Gookul said the consultancy is also expected to craft a design for the rehabilitation of the production and distribution supply in Linden.
Meanwhile, Sanitation Manager Rensford Joseph said the study will assess the capability of the current system and monitor and implement a system that will achieve optimal output. He also made it clear that the consultancy is not tasked with extending the current system but at finding areas where it can be boosted “through the installation of more pump stations, improving on the electrical mechanical equipment like the size and type of line improving yard sewer and street sewers.” Joseph said too since the commissioning of the new pump station at Princes and High streets complaints in the area have greatly reduced and he urged residents to take ownership of the stations.
According to GINA, this year government has allocated over $1.1 billion for sanitation, which includes completing the rehabilitation of additional sewer pumping stations in the city. As regards rehabilitating the 24 sewer pumps, Gookul said that to date the company has completed 11 and the contractor is working to complete four more by mid-April.
He noted that the project is 45% complete and on completion the stations will be equipped with new, submersible pumps and would be controlled by a starter system. “We are also installing new pipe works and fittings in the station so it is actually like a new system you are getting at each station. The sewer station rehabilitation project, the deadline is June 30, and we are optimistic that we would achieve that deadline,” Gookul said.
