15 new water refill stations to be set up countrywide; as Pouderoyen facility reopens

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has announced plans to establish more than a dozen water bottle refill stations across the country as part of its ongoing initiative to improve access to clean, safe, and affordable water for all citizens.

This announcement was made on Friday during the successful re-opening of the Pouderoyen Bottle Refilling Station in Region Three.

The re-opening event, held earlier today, welcomed residents, community leaders, and stakeholders who gathered to witness the re-launch of the upgraded facility. The station is now fully operational and equipped with modern infrastructure designed to deliver high-quality service efficiently and reliably.

As part of GWI’s commitment to accessibility and affordability, residents of Pouderoyen and other communities can now refill their 5-gallon water bottles for a nominal fee of $100. This initiative is expected to significantly ease the burden of accessing potable water, particularly for households and small businesses.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh, emphasised that the Pouderoyen station is one of several refilling stations being rolled out across administrative regions nationwide.

These stations were strategically located based on key criteria, including water quality from treatment plants, availability of adequate space, and accessibility to the public.

“They are all closely linked to water treatment plants to ensure that you are getting the best quality water. We are testing all the time to ensure that the water is safe, clean and of a high quality,” he told attendees.

In addition to Pouderoyen, similar facilities will be established in areas such as Lima (Region 2), Vergenoegen and Wales (Region 3), Grove and Caledonia (Region 4 – East Bank), Mon Repos and Bachelors Adventure (Region 4 – East Coast), Vlissengen Road and Mandela Avenue (Region 4 – Georgetown), Cotton Tree in Region 5, Sheet Anchor, Port Mourant and Queenstown (Region 6), Central Bartica (Region 7) and Amelia’s Ward in Region 10.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, stressed that these facilities are not meant to rival private water distributors, but rather enhance potable water access for Guyanese as envisioned by His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali.

“It is not our intention to compete with the private sector. When prices for simple commodities, which is a sovereign right, become very expensive for poor people or any person to have access to quality water, we have to step in as a government,” he explained.

The minister further assured that the quality of the water meets and exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for consumption.

“It is safe to consume. It is properly treated,” he affirmed.

The Pouderoyen Bottle Refilling Station will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Guyana Water Incorporated remains steadfast in its mission to enhance water service delivery nationwide and will continue expanding this program to reach more communities in the coming months.