Major drainage boost as $1.054B Liliendaal pump station commissioned

A brand-new drainage pump station has been officially commissioned in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, marking a major upgrade in the country’s flood management efforts.
The project, valued at $1.054 billion, replaces the area’s previous reliance on electrical pumps, and brings with it a massive increase in drainage capacity.
Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsmith, who is also a civil engineer, spoke on social media about the development.
“It is a newly constructed drainage pump station here at Liliendaal – an area that covers about 2,400 acres,” he informed.
“Previously, the area was served with electrical pumps with a capacity of 90,000 gallons per minute. We have added this new facility, now putting the total discharge capacity in excess of 200,000 gallons per minute.”

The upgraded pump station is expected to significantly improve drainage in several surrounding communities, including parts of North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, Bel Air, Turkeyen, and Liliendaal itself—especially crucial as the country experiences increased rainfall during the mid-year rainy season.
“This investment is already proving its worth as we navigate the current rainy period,” Wordsmith noted.
He added that the project is part of a broader nationwide drainage initiative.
“This is one of more than 30 drainage pumps being installed across the coast of Guyana, serving both agricultural and residential zones. By the end of this year, we will further strengthen our fleet with an additional 40 mobile drainage pumps. These will enhance our ability to respond quickly to varying needs across the country, whether for irrigation or flood relief.”
Wordsmith also referenced ongoing works under the Hope Lake Canal project, which is being implemented in Region 3 and Region 5, as part of the government’s long-term drainage and irrigation development plan.