GWI staff to undergo training overseas
As part of its continued investment in building its human resource capacity, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) recently welcomed back two members of its staff who were in the UK pursuing a oneyear master’s degree programme at the University of Cranfield.
According to a GWI release, Amanda Ramgobind, an engineer attached to the Design of Infrastructure department at GWI has been with the company for 11 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. She did her Master’s in Water and Wastewater Engineering and was exposed to both the theory and practice in areas such as Wastewater Treatment and the technology for the removal of contaminants to make water potable. In addition, she also prepared a thesis which focussed on characterising water from the University’s campus which saw her collecting samples, testing the water and recommending how it can be utilised as well as the best technology to do so.
Ramgobind explained that the programme allowed her to better understand wastewater and its uses as well as the application of relevant treatment technologies. She expressed her gratitude to the management of the company and hopes to apply her knowledge to convert the Tucville sewerage station to a wastewater treatment plant.
Jawaharlall Ramjug, head of Field Services (Ag), has also been at GWI for 11 years and he holds a Master’s Degree in Business Management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering. He completed his Master’s in Water and Sanitation for Development and covered areas such as Sanitation Technology and Water Resource Management. His thesis covered Groundwater Recharge in Rajasthan, India and he was also exposed to laboratory activities and field visits.
Ramjug declared that the programme has improved his level of competencies and by extension his knowledge which will help to boost the capabilities of the water utility. He too expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and now feels more motivated.
In keeping with this education strategy, GWI plans to send two more managers abroad to further their studies.
Regional Manager for Georgetown, Curtis Niles, who has also been with the utility for 11 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering as well as diplomas in Technology and Mechanical Engineering will be heading to the same Cranfield University in the UK to pursue a Master’s Degree in Water and Wastewater Engineering. This course of study, he said, will focus on the
processing of water, which is one of the fundamental aspects of his current role at the company.
GWI’s Head of Field Services, Sunildatt Barran, on the other hand, will be heading to the UNESCO Institute of Higher Education to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Water Supply and Engineering in the Netherlands.
Barran holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has 13 years’ experience under his belt at GWI. He said this opportunity would place him in a position that helps to improve the efficiency of the utility and by the extension, cater to the needs of its customers.
He disclosed that the Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, since assuming office, has been adamant in pushing for higher learning after recognising the vacuum that existed in technical knowledge at the utility. Consequently, efforts have been made to strengthen the company through investment in its human resource capacity, the release added.