The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has expanded its fleet of emergency and maintenance vehicles by acquiring two new sewer combination tanker trucks, a strategic investment to enhance the utility’s sanitation operations and improve service delivery within sewered communities.
The addition of the specialised vehicles will significantly bolster GWI’s capacity to respond more efficiently to sewer-related complaints from its customers, including blockages, overflows, and leaks, while supporting the company’s planned preventative maintenance programme.
During a simple ceremony at the Shelterbelt Complex on Wednesday, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, noted that approximately 60,000 residents within Georgetown’s sewered areas stand to benefit from the enhanced service.
“This is [a] free service. This is a government service to the people. It costs about $44 million between the two trucks and it’s an investment to make sure we have better services in the city with respect to sewage removal,” he said.
GWI CEO, Mr. Shaik Baksh, explained that the acquisition was necessary to strengthen GWI’s response capabilities, particularly as the utility’s existing sewer truck has been in operation for approximately 14 years.
He also urged residents and businesses to exercise greater care in using the sewer network, noting that the improper disposal of grease and other materials continue to contribute to blockages and overflows.
“GWI intends to take formal action where the businesses are not taking care of the infrastructure in terms of what is laid down in the bylaws of the Water and Sanitation Act,” he warned.
The sewer combination tanker trucks are designed to facilitate the effective cleaning and maintenance of sewer networks, helping to reduce service disruptions.
Director of Operations Jawaharlall Ramjug said the new additions will enhance GWI’s capacity to carry out both routine and emergency maintenance across the sewer network.
“Without a doubt, these two trucks will add value to the operations department of GWI by serving the people of Georgetown to help alleviate the sewer blockages throughout the network. You can expect more efficient service and faster return time to solving your problem,” he pledged.
Similar sentiments were echoed by GWI’s Sanitation Manager, Rensford Joseph, who added that while Georgetown’s sewerage network generally operates effectively, blockages caused by the improper disposal of waste materials continue to pose a challenge.
“With these two trucks, we will be better equipped to keep the network functioning as intended,” he asserted.
This intervention aligns with the company’s mandate to modernise its operational capabilities and strengthen critical infrastructure to meet the growing needs of customers.
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