The Government of Guyana has secured a US$30 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to significantly expand and modernize the nation’s water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

The new funding, announced this week, will be channeled through Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the country’s national water utility. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure reliable access to safe water for both urban and rural communities, directly benefitting more than 150,000 residents across key regions.

Central to the program is the construction of a state-of-the-art water treatment plant at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. The project also includes the installation of approximately 15 kilometers of new pipelines, which will integrate the facility into the existing water distribution network. These upgrades are designed to bring more consistent and higher quality water to households, businesses, and public institutions.

Beyond infrastructure, the investment will drive a digital transformation within GWI, introducing advanced metering, leak detection, and improved management information systems. These tools are expected to cut operational costs, increase revenue collection, and vastly improve overall efficiency.

Additional efforts will target reducing the volume of unaccounted-for water through upgraded monitoring systems and public awareness campaigns. These measures should not only improve water security but also advance Guyana’s broader goals for climate resilience and sustainable development.

The IDB loan comes with a 25-year repayment term and a grace period of 5.5 years, allowing the government ample time to implement changes and realize long-term benefits. The program is already being hailed as a transformative step for public health and quality of life in Guyana, setting the stage for further development in the water and sanitation sector.