The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has been working to upgrade the aged pipe infrastructure in the capital city of Georgetown in order to further improve the level of service and quality of water customers receive.
GWI has been seeking to address the issue for the past two and a half years and has been working to incrementally replace the pipelines in the Georgetown network.
The Cast Iron and Asbestos Cement pipes which are being replaced have become encrusted over decades and have exceeded their lifespan. Many of the pipelines are over 100 years old, and due to this, there is also a high iron content being released, thereby compromising water quality.
However, they are being replaced with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes which present a much lower chance of encrustation.
Customers, according to GWI, can be assured that upon completion of works in respective areas, there will be an improved level of service and water quality. As further work is executed in adjacent communities, the full benefits will be experienced.
Among the areas being targeted are Sheriff Street, Albouystown, Vlissengen Road Project, and Church Street.
During the interconnection of the pipelines, customers of Central Georgetown will experience a reduced level of service for a short period in order to facilitate these works.
The replacement of the pipelines allows GWI to place the new lines closer to the fence line as opposed to under roadways, making them more accessible for repairs in the future.
Upon completion of the installation of the pipelines in the various areas, GWI has announced that it will be utilising Geographic Information system (GIS) technologies to map all of the assets, including Gate Valves and pipelines so that the company has precise information on their location for future use and access.
