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GEF CReW+ Kwakwani

Sustainable wastewater infrastructure for a healthy community

By IW:LEARN

February 20^th, 2025

Interview with Marle Reyes, environmental engineer and expert in wastewater treatment for the GEF CReW+ project.

Kwakwani is a small community nestled in the Upper Demerara-Berbice region of Guyana. It is situated in a rural area near the Berbice River and is surrounded by dense tropical forests. The population of Kwakwani is relatively small and consists of resilient and hardworking people. Many residents rely on the mining, bauxite, and forestry sectors as their main economic activities.

Kwakwani stands out for its strong sense of community and the deep bonds formed among its residents. Together, they share a profound connection to the land and its rhythms, which define daily life in this unique locale.

Life in the region is shaped by the proximity to forests and rivers, making water resources a vital part of daily life. However, life in Kwakwani is not without its challenges. The community faces inadequate infrastructure, particularly in wastewater treatment. This persistent issue affects the well-being of its residents, underscoring the need for improvements to enhance their quality of life.

What sanitation problems does Kwakwani face?

"The main sanitation issue in Kwakwani is that the current wastewater collection and treatment system is in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance. This situation increases the risk of system overflows, which can lead to waterborne diseases and pose a serious environmental contamination risk.”

How is GEF CReW+ intervening in Kwakwani?

“The main goal of this intervention is to provide sustainable infrastructure for wastewater treatment, utilizing biological and natural purification processes to improve water quality and protect the environment.

The project includes the rehabilitation of seven main septic tanks, the repair of blockages, the restoration of other damaged infrastructure, and the upgrade of the wastewater system. Through this initiative, the condition of the entire system has been assessed, resulting in detailed maps that allow the utility company to respond more efficiently to any issues that arise in the system.”

"Additionally, the project includes the construction of an artificial wetland and a biodigester, providing an ecological and sustainable solution for wastewater and septic sludge treatment. The artificial wetland operates through natural filtration and purification processes, which remove contaminants from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. This improves the quality of water returned to the ecosystem, reduces the risk of diseases, and promotes a healthier environment for the community. The biodigester operates through natural biological processes that do not require oxygen. Inside the biodigester, anaerobic bacteria break down the organic matter from the sludge generated by the septic tanks. During this process, biogas is produced, which is intended to be used as fuel for energy generation.

The community has been fully involved in the project. The Kwakwani utility company has hired members of the community to participate in the rehabilitation work. This not only provides a direct benefit in terms of health protection but also contributes to boosting the local economy.

It is expected that the project will result in a decrease in reported cases of diseases related to exposure to wastewater.”

What impact does this intervention have on the environment?

“This project aligns with the objectives of IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) and the circular economy—a model that aims to reduce environmental impact and optimize resource use—by closing the water cycle in the community and leveraging natural resources for wastewater treatment. Instead of relying on costly technologies that require intensive maintenance, the artificial wetland uses natural processes, making it a sustainable solution.

From a circular economy perspective, the artificial wetland recycles wastewater and transforms it into treated water that can be safely returned to the ecosystem. In the future, the project has the potential to promote local agriculture, as the treated water could be reused for irrigation.

In terms of impact, the intervention helps improve public health, reduce environmental pollution, and protect local biodiversity. It also raises awareness within the community about the importance of responsible water management and provides a replicable model for wastewater treatment in other rural areas of Guyana and the region. This holistic approach to water treatment directly contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in Kwakwani, supporting the principles of the circular economy and climate resilience.”

About the project

The GEF CReW+ Project, "An integrated approach to water and wastewater management using innovative solutions and promoting financing mechanisms in the Wider Caribbean Region," is a partnership project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that is being co-implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 18 countries of the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).

This project builds upon its previous successful phase, “The Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW)” project (2011-2017). GEF CReW+ is being executed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Organisation of the American States (OAS), and the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention (CAR/RCU) on behalf of the IDB and UNEP respectively.