Georgetown: Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said that major achievements were made in 2013 especially in the water sector with approximately $2.7 billion invested under capital programme.
He said in excess 100,000 people benefited from improved service and water quality this year. According to him, 20,000 new persons benefited from new services on the coastland, Linden and the hinterland.
There was also a reduction in the complaints relating to sewage system in Georgetown.
The investment made in the hinterland has also improved the quality and standard of living in these communities. The programme also resulted in the creation of 1600 jobs and a rise in the demand for local and imported construction materials.
In referring to Linden, Ali said per capita investment is in excess of $25,000 per person there. Works on the two new water treatment plants are scheduled to be completed in 2014.
Upgrade of 1500 service connection and installation of in excess of 20km transmission and distribution mains and the continuation of a non-revenue programme to reduce wastage are all expected to come on stream in the New Year.
Meanwhile, in Georgetown, Ali said rehabilitation of 24 sewer stations is expected to begin in the New Year, so too the distribution of medication for the spread of tropical diseases and the implementation of an energy efficiency pilot project to aid in the reduction of high energy consumption.
A water dispensation system will also be built in Port Kaituma, Region One, where residents would be able to access water free of charge.
The housing minister stated that the drilling of wells in Port Kaituma to improve the quality of water supply will also take place in 2014. Commencement of an exploratory drilling at Mabaruma for access to underground water so as to improve the quality of service upgrade of water supply systems will also be undertaken.
Similar works will be done in Mathews Ridge, Region One; Ituni, Region 10; Purina, Region Seven; Akawaini, Region One; Kumu, Region Nine; and the Rockstone region, among several other locations.
GWI, he said has obtained unqualified audit opinion in 2012 as a result of robust financial management and corporate governance.
“This has a positive impact of the company’s outlook and strategic plan 2012-2016. They have also completed financial regulations, review of the credit policy, procurement strategy and improvement of financial strengthening as a result of Oracle Business Fee implemented in 2013, which improved inventory and procurement management and provides full integration of other modules already implemented,” Ali added.
New services
The provision of new services for residents, reducing non-revenue water, increased in treated water coverage, access to potable water in the hinterland, improvement in energy efficiency, sewage disposable in the city and general improvement in water quality were among the main areas in which special attention was paid.
“Over the last two years, GWI has made significant strides in its financial management, removing backlog in the financial reporting requirement. The financial statements were ready for submission to the National Assembly within the statutory deadline in 2013.
“In addition, the implementation of oracle financial software has enhanced the integrity of the financial reporting system of GWI and it enabled real time audit of financial transactions,” said the minister.
You must be logged in to post a comment.