Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and the Inter- American Development Bank representative Marco Nicola signed two agreements aimed at developing the water sector on Wednesday. The signing was done in the presence of Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, Region 10 Chairman Mortimer Mingo, Housing Ministry Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrell and residents of Linden.
The agreements include a US$ 12 million loan aimed at improving the water quality and the efficiency of the water supply system in Linden, and a US$3 million deal to establish a wastewater revolving fund project.
Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and IDB representative in Guyana Marco Nicola, during the signing of the contract on Wednesday
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Linden, Nicola mentioned that one of several projects the IDB has partnered with Guyana to undertake is the US$ 14.7 million Georgetown water supply and sewer programme, which was completed in 2010. Nicola said: “I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the IDB collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Water, GWI (Guyana Water Incorporated) and the Linden community has been a vibrant partnership over the years which we see continuing well into the future.” In his remarks, Minister Ali pointed out several rehabilitation projects that have been carried out in Linden as they relate to the water sector, and noted that this new project – “Linden water supply rehabilitation programme” – is another excellent initiative that aims at improving the lives of Lindeners.
“I say to you that you will enjoy in Region 10 pressure and water flow and quality equivalent to any citizen in any part of the developed world,” the minister posited, noting the importance of such a project in the lives of Guyanese.
Promise fulfilled
Dr Singh told the people of Linden that President Bharrat Jagdeo had made a promise to develop the water supply network in Linden during his last visit there a few months ago, and “the agreement being signed represents the delivery of government’s commitment in this regard”. The minister went on to say that the projects financed by these agreements are not casual or passing decisions made by the government, but are projects carefully identified because they are expected to have great impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
“I would say that the Linden water improvement project meets these requirements – it is a project that fits perfectly within the parameters of long-term investment in Linden; it serves faithfully the objective of improving social services in Linden, access to water. It represents an investment in Linden that will generate jobs, create business opportunities and, for this reason, fits perfectly in the list of priority projects identified by the government and Cabinet,” the minister related to the residents.
The US$ 12 million loan will go towards improving quality, efficiency of delivery and sustainability of the drinking water supply in Linden. The funds will help the town to cut energy use; improve delivery, quality and continuity of the water supply system; reduce the level of revenue loss due to physical and commercial reasons; and strengthen the operational and maintenance performance of the GWI.
