GWI reopens upgraded Pouderoyen water refilling station

– nationwide rollout of refilling stations is planned

In an effort to improve access to clean, safe, and affordable water nationwide, the Pouderoyen Bottle Refilling Station, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was on Friday reopened, according to Guyana Water Inc (GWI).
The re-opening event brought together residents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to witness the launch of the upgraded facility. The station is now fully operational, featuring modern infrastructure designed to provide efficient and reliable service.

As part of GWI’s focus on accessibility and affordability, residents of Pouderoyen and surrounding communities can refill five-gallon water bottles for a nominal fee of $100. This initiative is expected to ease the challenge of accessing potable water, especially for households and small businesses.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Shaik Baksh, highlighted that the Pouderoyen facility is one of several refilling stations being introduced across administrative regions nationwide. He explained that these locations were selected based on factors such as water quality from treatment plants, availability of space, and ease of public access.
“They are all closely linked to water treatment plants to ensure that you are getting the best quality water. We are testing all the time to ensure that the water is safe, clean and of a high quality,” he told attendees.

In addition to Pouderoyen, similar stations are planned for areas including Lima, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Vergenoegen and Wales in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Grove and Caledonia (East Bank), Mon Repos and Bachelors Adventure (East Coast), Vlissengen Road and Mandela Avenue (Georgetown); Cotton Tree, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Sheet Anchor, Port Mourant and Queenstown in Region Six (East Berbice Corentyne); Central Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); and Amelia’s Ward in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
However, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar clarified that the initiative is not intended to compete with private water distributors but to improve access to potable water in line with the vision of President Dr Irfaan Ali.
“It is not our intention to compete with the Private Sector. When prices for simple commodities, which is a sovereign right, become very expensive for poor people or any person to have access to quality water, we have to step in as a Government,” he explained.
The Minister also assured the public that the water meets and exceeds standards set by the World Health Organization. “It is safe to consume. It is properly treated,” he affirmed. The Pouderoyen bottle refilling station will operate daily from 10:00h to 20:00h.