Guyana

 General information

Guyana possesses a broad legal and policy framework for water management, but wastewater services remain limited. Only Georgetown has a centralized sewerage network, serving around 5% of the population, and even there, effluent is discharged untreated into the Demerara River. Most communities rely on septic tanks or pit latrines, often poorly maintained, which contributes to groundwater contamination and health risks. Climate-related pressures such as flooding, saline intrusion, and drought further complicate water security. 

Through GEF CReW+, Guyana advanced both governance and on-the-ground solutions. At the national level, the project supported the development of an electronic water resources database, consolidating information on groundwater, water quality, and infrastructure to improve monitoring and planning. At the local level, GEF CReW+ rehabilitated the Kwakwani Park Sewerage System, restoring safe and reliable sanitation services to the community. It also provides support to strengthen and implement the Dakoura Creek watershed management plan, providing guidance for protecting drinking water sources and improving ecosystem health. In addition, the program supported the Linden Water Supply Project, which enhanced the reliability and quality of potable water in one of the country’s key urban centers, promoting also conservation through the reduction of Non-Revenue Water levels (NRW). 

Together, these activities strengthened both the institutional framework and local infrastructure, demonstrating cost-effective models for addressing wastewater and water security challenges. By linking improved data systems with practical rehabilitation and watershed management, GEF CReW+ has helped build a more resilient and sustainable water sector in Guyana.