THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be embarking on an apprenticeship programme to improve water quality across the coast via the establishment of 13 new water treatment plants and 10 in-line treatment systems.
This is according to GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh, who was at the time addressing graduates of the company’s plant operators Level II training programme.
Baksh explained that the on-the-job training for the operators will eventually lead to upward mobility, thus contributing to human resources development at all levels within the company, a release from the company said.
He noted that the apprenticeship programme, on the other hand, will aid in knowledge sharing and the filling of new positions that will become available.
The CEO also acknowledged that there was a plea for water free of high iron content on the coast. To this end, he posited that Government’s investment in the realisation of these new water treatment plants will help to significantly improve the quality of water citizens receive.
He told the graduates that their role as plant operators was important in ensuring the functionality of the plants and distribution of clean water to residents.
According to the release, he noted, too, that GWI was conducting a study that entailed the use of surface water and less chemicals to treat it. These sources were the East Demerara Water Conservancy, Boerasirie Conservancy, Five Mile in Bartica and the Dakoura Creek in Linden. The utility was also eyeing 27 springs in Linden to be put to use.
Some 17 persons successfully completed the training programme which was held for a period of one year.
The training was in keeping with the expansion and modernisation plans for water treatment processes within the company and plant operators were encouraged to use their newly acquired skills and knowledge to increase their performance on the job.
Wendell Jeffery, a Director on GWI’s Board, told the graduates that the training they received was as a result of the foresight of the Board and Management of the company.
He highlighted that, as operators working at the sole water utility in the country, they have an important role to play towards the development of Guyana’s water sector. He reminded them that citizens across the coast were depending on them for a safe, clean and timely water supply.
He dubbed the training programme part of history in the making, as the company moves towards expansion.
Meanwhile, Avinash Parsram, head of Water Quality and a facilitator of the programme, advised the operators to not only understand what they were doing in their line of duty, but also understand why they were doing it and how it will help to improve efficiency.
He encouraged them to be accountable and committed to their job, the GWI release said.
A second batch of plant operators is expected to commence training later this month and the programme is slated to last for a period of six months.