Delayed payments for services rendered by contractors are seen as a key problem in the construction sector. It causes significant cash flow problems, which can obliterate the contractual payment chain. The study was done to determine the causes and effects of delayed payments for works completed in the construction sector in Guyana and to ascertain the actions taken by contractors to overcome these problems. In order to obtain data for the study, a random sample of 180 contractors, consultants, and clients in the construction sector in Region 4 were emailed questionnaires. A total of 65 questionnaires were completed and returned for analysis. The ranking of the findings for the causes of delayed payment were determined using the relative importance index for four categories: contractor-related factors, client-related factors, contract-related factors, and consultant-related factors. Effects of delayed payments on contractors’ productivity and finance and actions taken by contractors to overcome delayed problems were also studied. Some of the causes of delayed payment from the study include contractors’ disagreement on valuation of the work, contractors’ failure to substantiate their claims, delay in certification of work done by architect or contract administrator, delay in valuation of work done by quantity surveyor, client delay in certification unrealistic cash, client failure to agree to the valuation of work. From the study, delayed payments results in delay in project progress and have effects on the materials supply capabilities of contractors, the forecasted profit margin, and the amount of the line of credits provided by materials suppliers and banks. Some of the preferred actions taken by contractors include following up with clients by direct communication, applying interest charge to the overdue payments, and slowing down the construction work at site until payment is received.

Support of the public is critical for wastewater reuse projects to succeed. The findings of an online questionnaire-style survey conducted with 117 participants to measure the public's opinion toward potential urban reuse opportunities in Guyana are examined in this article. Support for and resistance to 13 reuse options are examined in this article. Wastewater reuse for irrigation of agricultural crops, public park irrigation, sidewalk landscape irrigation, cooling purpose in industries and firefighting received the highest support ranging from 73% to 84%. With the exception of reuse for irrigation for agricultural crops, participants generally preferred low-contact reuse options. Wastewater reuse for potable water, commercial launderette and discharge to surface water bodies received the lowest support ranging to 23% to 41%. The public, in general, may be reluctant to accept any wastewater reuse that is directly or indirectly tied to humans. Prior to the implementation of any wastewater reuse project in Guyana, public campaigns should focus on disseminating information about wastewater treatment, technologies, health issues, the environmental impact of water reuse, and create good public opinion, as these factors help to determine individuals endorsement to reuse projects.