Recent Posts
January 23, 2026
January 23, 2026
Guyana on Thursday advanced its long-term water and sanitation agenda with the signing of an Exchange of Notes with the Government of Japan for a G$7.2 billion concessional loan to support the Guyana Climate Resilient Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme, co-financed with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at Ramphal House and attended by representatives of the Japanese government, IDB, and Guyana Water Inc. (GWI).
Delivering remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, said the project will focus on improving water treatment infrastructure in the Diamond community on the East Bank of Demerara, describing it as a rapidly expanding community in Region Four.
He said the initiative fits squarely within the government’s broader urbanisation and infrastructure development plans, especially as Region Four remains the country’s most densely populated region.
“This is not the first project that we’ve had on this framework. And bringing it to region 4 is important also because this is the most heavily populated region. Identifying the upgrade or improvements in the water treatment in Diamond, I think, fits well in terms of our developmental plan and our urbanization plan.
And if we’re going to ensure that we improve the quality of life of every citizen, water is very vital. If we’re talking in terms of poverty, food insecurity, water is essential for life. And it’s universal. So for us, we are very pleased and I’m happy that our ministry has been involved in this initiative,” Todd said.
He also made reference to previous investments under the same framework in Regions Two, Three, and Seven. At the operational opening of the Bartica water treatment plant in Region Three last August, President Dr Irfaan Ali had emphasised that the project formed part of a broader, long-term vision to ensure every Guyanese household has access to safe, reliable, and high-quality water.
Todd stressed that the Diamond project represents more than physical infrastructure, describing it as a symbol of Guyana’s commitment to sustainable development and future-oriented planning. Access to clean water, they noted, is central to improving quality of life and achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Akima Umezawa, said the initiative underscores the shared values between the two countries, including democracy, good governance and respect for human dignity. He reaffirmed that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and said the project aims to improve public health while supporting Guyana’s development trajectory.
The ambassador also highlighted Japan’s advanced water management technologies and noted that Japanese companies, including Toshiba, have already contributed to Guyana’s water sector through the provision of treatment equipment.
He noted that as Guyana and Japan prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, the project is a symbol of the deepening partnership between the two countries.
The signing of the Exchange of Notes clears the way for implementation of the project, further strengthening cooperation between Guyana, Japan, and the IDB.
