Guyana's housing and water ministry has developed a 10-year strategy to increase access to safe water for 90% of the country's population. The strategy, which is also expected to strengthen the water and sewerage sectors, will be implemented in the coming months. Ministry head Irfaan Ali said the entity is currently acquiring new infrastructure, working on distribution networks and consolidating existing capital investment.

Also of great importance is the so-called turnaround plan that deals with the reduction of waste and non-revenue water, he said. Budgeted at US$ 22 million (€ 15.8 million), the 2008-10 turnaround plan was designed for national service provider Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and focuses on improving water quality and reducing waste levels. The plan also aims to prevent customer service deterioration, improve metering systems, increase billing and collections, and reduce leaks. Once the plan is implemented, GWI is expected to reduce non-revenue water to 25% from 60%, the report said.

Web site: Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)

Source: GINA, 03 Jun 2009

Tags: latin america & caribbean, policies & legislation, water distribution