Every household to access treated water by 2028, says Minister Indar

Every household in Guyana is expected to gain access to treated water by the end of 2028, as the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation moves to achieve universal coverage in line with standards set by the World Health Organisation.
Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar told lawmakers during debate on budget estimates on Tuesday that the target is attainable, noting that about 80 per cent of coastal communities already receive treated water. Efforts are underway to expand access in hinterland regions.
“We aspire to have 100 per cent treated water to meet the standard … we are looking at another two years,” Indar said.
He said seven water treatment plants built over the past five years added a combined capacity of 80 million litres per day, serving approximately 140,000 residents.
Overall access to water stands at 98 per cent along the coast and 96 per cent in hinterland areas, Indar said. However, reducing iron content in the supply — particularly in coastal communities — remains a key challenge.
The ministry has allocated $21 billion in this year’s budget for water management, aimed at funding capital works to address the issue.
Indar also said the government plans to curb losses in the sector. State-owned Guyana Water Incorporated is contending with non-revenue water losses of around 60 per cent due to damaged mains, theft and wastage. The utility is seeking to recover more than $2.9 billion in outstanding customer payments.
Georgetown and communities along the East Coast were identified as major contributors to system losses, the House heard.