$458M Bartica water treatment plant advancing apace

Construction of the new $458.1 million water treatment plant at Five Miles, Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) is advancing steadily, marking a significant step toward improved public infrastructure in the region.
The project, which is fully funded by the Government of Guyana, is part of a broader national effort to enhance access to clean and reliable water across the country. Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will provide hundreds of families in Bartica and surrounding communities with consistent access to safe, potable water—greatly improving their quality of life, health standards, and overall well-being. This initiative reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development and the equitable distribution of essential services, especially in hinterland and riverine areas that have traditionally faced challenges in water accessibility.

Last Friday, during an unannounced site visit to the facility, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal voiced his satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being carried out on the $458.1 million water treatment plant, noting that the project remains on track to significantly improve water access in the region.
This new facility will bring much relief to the communities between Five and Seven Miles, Bartica, who have long faced challenges with their existing water system. By tapping into a new freshwater source, the plant is designed to bring an end to the issue of high iron content, and instead provide a consistent supply of clean water.
“This isn’t a large source, but it is sufficient for the area,” Minister Croal noted, highlighting the strategic and sustainable approach to securing water for these communities. The project underscores the Government’s commitment to expanding access to treated water across Guyana, with ambitious targets of achieving 90 per cent treated water coverage along the coastline by the end of 2025. Upon its completion, the Five Miles Water Treatment Plant will boast an impressive capacity of 3.1 million litres per day, a substantial upgrade that will directly benefit hundreds of families in the targeted zones.
In addition to benefiting existing communities, the new water treatment facility is expected to play a vital role in supporting several new housing developments that are currently underway in the Bartica area.
These developments, which form part of the Government’s broader housing expansion strategy, will accommodate a growing population, and require a stable and sufficient supply of clean water. By proactively integrating water infrastructure with residential expansion, the project ensures that future homeowners will have immediate access to safe, potable water further enhancing the liveability and sustainability of these new communities.