GWI has begun laying the groundwork for the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025:2005 accreditation process, which in essence would guarantee that the instruments and equipment used for water quality testing and calibration have met internationally required standards.
According to a GWI press release, the oversight to commence the implementation of the ISO 17025:2005 is being done through Canada-based consultant Dr Edgar F Paski of Analytical Solutions, who has extensive knowledge in quality and laboratory management. GWI’s Scientific Services Manager Donna Canterbury has the responsibility of managing the transition, which involves the specialised training of employees in reliable sample collection and ensuring the facility is deemed technically competent by ISO, the release said.
Chief Executive Officer of GWI Shaik Baksh said efficiently monitoring the quality of the product GWI provides to its customers is a key priority of the company. More importantly, the GWI press release said, the laboratory is pivotal to water quality testing because it is the facility used to monitor the water quality nationwide at the well stations and the more than 25 water treatment facilities.
Baksh said quality management is essential and testing at water production sites is a key aspect of quality improvement hence the need for the ISO 17025:2005. Baksh noted that government has invested US$31 million under the ‘Programme to Improve Water and Sanitation Infrastructure and Supply’ which in effect caused an expansion in the water supply to regions 3, 4 and 6 and it is absolutely necessary to have the capacity and efficiency in quality management to match that expansion.
“The safety of our customers” Baksh said, “is the main thrust of seeking this type of ISO accreditation.”
