On February 21, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced a bold initiative to ensure that all bottled water consumed in Guyana is produced locally within the next year. This announcement came during the commissioning of the Five Miles Water Treatment Plant in Bartica.
Emphasizing Guyana’s identity as the “land of many waters,” President Ali stated the need to optimize the country’s freshwater resources and reduce dependence on imported bottled water. “You can’t be such a resource-rich country in fresh water and be importing bottled water,” he asserted, urging the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation to set a target for local production within 12 months.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the president called for collaboration with the private sector and suggested standardizing production systems to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. He noted that by sharing resources, such as plastic bottle manufacturing, multiple entities could minimize operational costs.
According to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), locally treated bottled water could be produced and sold for approximately $100 or less per bottle, provided operational costs are managed effectively. “We have to look at all the verticals to bring down the cost of water,” he emphasized, reiterating that clean water should be affordable for both residents and visitors.
President Ali also highlighted that water should be regarded as an economic commodity, citing global studies forecasting increased water scarcity in the coming decades. He urged the implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles to optimize the country’s water assets.
The new ministry dedicated to water must focus not only on providing access to treated water but also on creating value, diversifying the economy, and enhancing national competitiveness. “Clean water is empowerment. Clean water is nation-building in its purest form,” he concluded, positioning water management as a key element of Guyana’s future growth strategy.
