Dear Editor,
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has taken note of the concerns raised by residents of Timehri in your publication regarding ongoing water supply challenges. While we acknowledge the frustrations being experienced, it is necessary to provide the public with factual clarity on the status of the water infrastructure works currently underway in the area.
As part of the Government of Guyana’s national mandate to expand access to potable water, funding was secured for a comprehensive upgrade of the Timehri water supply system. This included the drilling of two new deep wells, the rehabilitation of the Timehri Water Treatment Plant, upgrades to transmission and distribution networks, and rehabilitation works on the Timehri #5 well.
With respect to the two wells referenced in the recently published letter, the Timehri No. 2 New Deep Well, which was awarded to R&D Construction Company, both have been fully completed and operational for over three months. This well is located in the vicinity of the GDF Air Base and Dakota Circuit area and currently has the capacity to provide potable water to over 8,000 residents daily. This represents a major improvement to the system and is already benefiting sections of the community.
The Timehri No. 1 New Deep Well, awarded to QA Civil Works, is currently over 90% complete and remains in its final stage of drilling and development. This well is scheduled for full completion by 31st December 2025 and is expected to produce approximately 220 cubic metres of water per hour, with the capacity to serve an estimated 22,000 residents. Once operational, its output will be treated at the newly refurbished Timehri Water Treatment Plant, significantly expanding treated water coverage in the area.
Accordingly, the assertion that no progress has been made or that projects have stalled is inaccurate. While service challenges do persist in some sections due to the limitations of the old system and the phased integration of new infrastructure, works are actively ongoing, and tangible improvements are already being realised. GWI is asking the residents for patience and understanding through this time.
With regard to billing concerns, GWI remains committed to fairness and transparency. Customers who believe their bills do not accurately reflect the level of service received are encouraged to visit the nearest GWI office for account verification and investigation. Adjustments are made where warranted.
GWI understands the importance of water as a basic human right and remains fully committed to improving service delivery in Timehri and across the country. The Timehri water improvement programme is not abandoned, it is actively progressing, with one well already serving residents and a second major facility nearing completion. Further public updates will continue as each phase of work is finalised. Further, GWI will embark on having a technical team deployed to the affected areas to ensure that matters of level of service may be addressed.