As it this week honoured long-serving workers, the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) says that it has introduced a pension scheme for its employees.
No further details were given on the scheme in a press release that it issued. GWI said that it has also upgraded the working conditions for staff members in Regions Two, Five, Ten, and East Bank Demerara, Region Four
The water utility recognised 26 long-serving employees and 19 recent retirees in a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Theatre Guild in Kingston.
Among the recognized employees, Julian James and Joseph Jupiter stood out for completing an impressive 40 years of service and they continue to serve GWI, the press release said.
Shaik Baksh, the Chief Executive Officer of GWI, said that GWI’s achievements over the past two decades would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of its employees. The eradication of poor water infrastructure and the reduction of waterborne diseases are notable accomplishments, he said. Baksh added that currently, 97 percent of the population has access to clean water, and the government is working to achieve full coverage by 2025.
This year, the government has invested approximately $14.5 billion in the water sector, the release noted.
Baksh said that while GWI has achieved “financial viability in recent years and is moving to reach (the) break-even point at the earliest possible time”, efforts must be made to cut water losses. To address this issue, GWI is expecting to benefit from a loan provided by the Caribbean Development Bank, which will support the company in “achieving financial sustainability, reducing water losses, and building a more resilient water infrastructure”.
