GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The government of Guyana has secured a GUY$7.2 billion concessional loan from the Government of Japan to significantly upgrade water treatment infrastructure at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, will co-finance a major climate-resilient water and sanitation programme with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), targeting improved water quality and services for thousands of residents in the rapidly expanding community.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd and Japanese Ambassador to Guyana Akima Umezawa signed and exchanged notes during a ceremony held in the ministry’s conference room.
In his remarks, Todd said Guyana and Japan have enjoyed “cordial inter-state” relations for close to 60 years, noting that Japan has consistently supported Guyana’s development efforts during that period.
He described Diamond as a growing community that is becoming a significant hub within Region Four, stressing the need for corresponding infrastructure upgrades.
“If the community is growing, then we would have to upgrade the infrastructure.
“So we are delighted to partner with the Japanese government and the IDB on this concessional loan and the signing of notes, which brings to bear the fact that Guyana is very focused on governing for the people of Guyana,” Todd said.
Todd also pointed out that this is not the first time Guyana has benefited from projects under the framework, noting that previous investments have been made in Regions Two, Three, and Seven.
“Bringing it to Region Four is important also because this is the most heavily populated region, and the upgrade improvements in the water treatment plant in Diamond fit well into our developmental plan,” he noted.
Emphasising the importance of water security, Todd said improving access to safe water is critical to enhancing citizens’ quality of life. “If we are going to ensure that we improve the quality of life of every citizen, water is very vital,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Umezawa said the project is aimed not only at creating safer and more sustainable drinking water, but also at enhancing a healthy living environment that supports Guyana’s overall development.
He disclosed that over the last two years, the Japanese company Toshiba has constructed four large-scale water treatment plants in Guyana.
The strategy is about long-term vision, about fuelling economic development and ensuring every Guyanese home has access to quality water.
“Therefore, this project represents more than just an infrastructure; it is a symbol of gaining the power to create your future with your hands,” Umezawa said.
and then 