$170M approved for hinterland water system upgrades

─ Ministry of Communities’ Supplemental Bill for GWI services approved by National Assembly

─ $81M allocated for Linden Water Supply upgrades

Nateshia Isaacs

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Several other hinterland communities will benefit from improved water quality and water security as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) continues in its efforts to provide clean potable water supply nationwide.

In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dr. Richard Van West-Charles noted that GWI is actively striving to bring high-quality water to residents of the hinterland regions.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, during the Thursday, May 23 sitting of the National Assembly, laid a supplemental bill to fund the expansion of services to the hinterland.

The $170M bill was approved by the house and will serve communities in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. This allocation will specifically improve GWI’s capacity to undertake well-drilling and the maintenance of wells and other water networks in the hinterland areas.

New deep wells are slated to be drilled in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Mahdia; a venture which will impact thousands of lives, in keeping with the government’s commitment to providing ‘the good life’ for all.

The $170M sum also makes provision for the acquisition and completion of waterworks and drilling of wells in Aishalton costing $35M. Upon completion, this is expected to benefit more than 1,200 persons. The purchase of photovoltaic systems, pipes, well masters, pumps, motors and filters as well as the procurement of a drilling rig attracts a price tag of $40M.

Several water infrastructural improvements will be made in Matthews Ridge, Cibai, Cariaco, Mabaruma in Region 1 and Mahdia and other Region 8 communities.

Minister Bulkan explained that the urgent need for new wells is recognised especially given the prolonged dry spell that is being experienced by the hinterland regions.

“It is necessary for additional wells to be drilled to provide for a more reliable and adequate supply of potable water,” the minister stressed during the recent sitting of the National Assembly.

Residents of Kumu, Moca Moca, Quarrie, a satellite of St. Ignatius Village, Parikwaranau, Katoonarib, Awarewaunau, Maruranau, Parabara, Potarinau, Massara and Fly Hill are slated to benefit from these initiatives.

Many of these communities currently experience intermittent water supply.

Just recently, GWI dug and commissioned wells in Lethem, Annai, St. Ignatius, Karasabai, Aranaputa, Hiawa and Kaicumbay.

GWI was allocated $3Billion in the 2019 budget for the provision of improved potable water systems across the country.

Images:  Marceano Narine