Farmers Clash with GWI Over Crop Damage During Pipeline Works
By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News
On Monday, September 22nd, 2025, farmers and residents of Beirut and Bachelor’s Adventure clashed in the backlands after pipeline works by Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) reportedly destroyed large sections of their cultivated crops.
According to a letter dated August 28, 2025, addressed to GWI engineer Mr. Tyres Richards, affected farmers had requested that construction be halted until a compensation agreement was finalized. Despite two subsequent meetings involving Mr. Richards, community leaders, and farmers, no formal settlement was reached.
Escalation of Tensions
On September 19, 2025, contractor CNL Construction, awarded the project by GWI, resumed pipeline works, which led to further destruction of crops and farmland, sparking heightened frustration among farmers.
One distressed farmer told Nightly News:
“Stop nobody from doing what they got, but don’t damage me.”
Farmers Demand Compensation
The Community Development Council (CDC) and the farmers are now calling on GWI to immediately:
Honor its initial commitment to compensation.
Halt ongoing works until a formal agreement is finalized.
Ensure a fair and transparent process that guarantees farmers are correctly compensated for both current and potential damages as the project continues.
Ongoing Discussions
Nightly News understands that officials from both GWI and CNL Construction have held discussions with the farmers on compensation. However, a final decision is yet to be made.
