Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Wednesday commissioned two new sewer combination tanker trucks valued at approximately $44 million to replace equipment that has been in operation for about 14 years, a move aimed at improving response times to sanitation-related complaints and strengthening maintenance of Georgetown’s sewer network.
The commissioning took place at GWI’s Shelterbelt Complex and forms part of efforts to enhance service delivery within sewered communities. The utility said the additional vehicles will increase its capacity to address blockages, overflows and leaks, while supporting its preventative maintenance programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, according to GWI, said that approximately 60,000 residents in Georgetown’s sewered areas are expected to benefit from the investment.
Describing the initiative as a government-funded service, Indar said the acquisition represents an investment in improving sewage removal services in the city.
GWI Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh said the purchase was necessary to strengthen the company’s response capabilities, noting that the existing sewer truck fleet had been in operation for about 14 years.
Baksh also urged residents and businesses to use the sewer system responsibly, pointing to the improper disposal of grease and other materials as a major contributor to blockages and overflows.
He warned that the utility intends to take action against businesses that fail to comply with provisions of the Water and Sanitation Act relating to the protection of sewer infrastructure.
The company said the specialised trucks are designed to facilitate the cleaning and maintenance of sewer networks and are expected to help reduce service disruptions.
Director of Operations Jawaharlall Ramjug said the vehicles will improve GWI’s ability to carry out both routine and emergency maintenance throughout the network.
According to Ramjug, the additional equipment will assist in addressing sewer blockages more efficiently and reduce the time taken to resolve customer complaints.
Sanitation Manager Rensford Joseph similarly said that while Georgetown’s sewerage system generally functions effectively, blockages caused by the disposal of inappropriate waste materials remain a persistent challenge.
He expressed confidence that the new trucks would improve the utility’s ability to keep the network operating as intended.
GWI said the acquisition is part of its wider efforts to modernise operations and strengthen critical infrastructure to meet growing customer demand.
Also present at the commissioning were Executive Director of Business Development Jaigopaul Ram, Executive Director of Finance Mark David, Executive Director of Projects Marlon Daniels, Executive Director of Procurement Christopher Vandeyar, Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal, Head of the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme Aubrey Roberts, Company Secretary Anansa Swain, Procurement Manager Shellon James and other officials.
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