For years, access to potable water has been a pressing concern across many parts of Guyana, particularly in Region Two, where residents have long endured the daily hardship of relying on discoloured, odorous, and often poor-quality water.
This challenge, which impacts health, hygiene, education, and dignity, has left many communities feeling neglected.
However, with the commissioning of new water treatment plants in several coastal and hinterland areas by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, many Guyanese are now celebrating an end to these longstanding water problems.
One such area is Region Two, where the commissioning of the new treatment plant at Onderneeming has ushered in a new era for residents of the Essequibo Coast.
The Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant is more than just an infrastructure project for the region’s residents; it stands as a symbol of transformation, resilience, and a renewed social contract between the government and the people.
The facility is already restoring trust in public services and revitalising community well-being.
A Community Reborn Through Water
Speaking with The El Dorado Beacon, Ms. Taren John, a mother of three and a long-time resident of Cinderella County, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the facility and the much-needed development in the region.
Ms. John, originally from the Pomeroon, explained that she has lived on the coast for over a decade with her family.
According to her, while she enjoys the peace of coastal life, she admits the quality of tap water has long been a struggle for her and other residents.
However, she added that thanks to the Onderneeming plant, residents no longer have to worry about the redness staining their sinks or the poor water quality that previously left their washrooms and toilets marked by rust.
“I would like to thank the government for the water treatment plant; they have done a great job for the residents of Region Two.
Today, I am happy to say that we are getting clear and clean water, and I hope that all communities in Guyana will experience this as well. It is a life changer for us,” she said.
Another resident of Region Two, Mrs. Sharon Parkinson, reflected on how the new facility has improved her family’s quality of life.
“I recall the days when washing and bathing with this water was very difficult. As mothers, we had to use bleach to keep our children’s school clothes clean.
The water was always red and had an iron scent; it was very unpleasant. Even when we bathed, there was an odour that came with it, but we didn’t have a choice,” she said.
“So, for me, the government did something great for us in Region Two, and we would like to thank them for that.”
Mrs. Parkinson’s experience reflects the feelings of many families along the Essequibo Coast who, for decades, have endured water that stained clothes, emitted unpleasant odours, and forced households to buy bleach or bottled water to maintain basic hygiene.
The commissioning of the Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant and other facilities has alleviated that burden, restoring confidence in the country’s water supply system and enhancing daily life.
Engineering Clean Water for All
Meanwhile, the investment in water treatment plants across Guyana is part of a broader initiative by the Government of Guyana to improve access to clean and treated water nationwide.
In this initiative, advanced water treatment technologies are being implemented to ensure that all citizens, whether in urban or rural areas, have reliable access to clean drinking water.
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the national water utility, plays a central role in executing this vision.
GWI is enhancing its ability to meet national water safety and accessibility goals through ongoing investments in water infrastructure and human resources.
In line with this, GWI’s Water Quality Department conducted recent testing of water samples from treatment plants in Regions Three and Four.
According to Technical Lead Mark Veerasammy, these assessments are part of an ongoing water quality management programme.
“Some of the chemistry tests performed include pH, conductivity, salinity, TDS, total iron, aluminium, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, among others. For microbiology, we test for total coliform and equilibrium,” Veerasammy explained.
He also noted that all testing adheres to the GYS 170 standard, which ensures accuracy, reliability, and traceability, critical components for maintaining the safety and quality of Guyana’s water supply.
“This ensures safe water is provided to customers,” he added, highlighting that testing is conducted continuously.
The Ripple Effect: Health, Education, and Equity
The immediate impact of clean water is visible across Region Two and several other regions, where children now attend school in uniforms that remain bright and clean.
Families can take a shower and drink water from the tap without fear of rust or contamination.
Beyond convenience, the improvement also represents a significant uplift in public health and quality of life, but the ripple effects go further.
For low-income households, the reduced need to purchase bleach, bottled water, or alternative hygiene products creates financial breathing room.
Women, who often bear the brunt of household water management, experience newfound ease and peace of mind.
The restoration of clean water even enhances social cohesion, as shared struggles begin to provide a way to shared optimism.
Strategic Vision, Local Impact
Furthermore, the national water treatment programme underscores a broader commitment to development, equity, and social well-being.
Projects like the Onderneeming plant demonstrate the tangible results of aligning government resources with community needs, yielding immediate and deeply human benefits.
More than a concrete structure or series of pipelines, the plant represents a strategic approach to sustainable development.
As climate change intensifies and water security becomes even more critical, Guyana’s investment in treatment facilities is both timely and forward-looking.
As Mrs. Parkinson and Ms. John expressed, gratitude runs deep in Region Two. Their voices reflect a wider appreciation across Guyana, where clean water is no longer just a hope; it is becoming a reality, one treatment plant at a time.
The story of Region Two is proof that when infrastructure meets intention and when government meets community, the results are transformational.
