Chinoweng to get water supply system

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DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 09, 2018

After years of trekking long distances to access water especially during the dry season, residents of Chinoweng in Cuyuni Mazaruni, (Region Seven) will for the first time have access to a reliable potable water supply in their community.

Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles presenting both Regional Chairman, Region Seven, Gordon Bradford and Toshao, Chinoweng, Roger Roland with copy of the MOU.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Administration in Bartica, which will see over $10M invested to improve the water system at Chinoweng. This is in keeping with GWI’s commitment to provide all Guyanese with equitable access to potable water by 2020.

The small community in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Savannah currently receives water from nearby creeks and via rainwater harvesting.

Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the initiative ensures access to potable water via stand pipes with a head ranging from one to three meters. The residents will also experience a minimum of six hours of service from a solar water system.

The undertaking will see the construction of a catchment, trestle for storage tanks, installation of pipe network and stand pipes and aphotovoltaic (PV) system for the supply of potable water for the 375 villagers of which 100 are school children from nursery and primary levels. Water will also be supplied to the schools, Health Centre, teachers’ quarters and government buildings in the community.

Dr. Van West Charles said the project, “represents our journey to address the inequalities between the coast and hinterland which the President speaks about. It is part of our focus in relation to our strategic plan which is to raise that percentage of persons who have access to potable water over the next five years.”

Regional Chairman (RC), Gordon Bradford explained that Chinoweng is one of the remote communities in the region that often experiences drought-like conditions during the dry weather season; therefore, this venture very beneficial to the residents.

“Chinoweng in terms of its location is like an arid dessert. When the sun is out then everything there is dry and apart from providing potable water for the residents there, most importantly it will help them do some kitchen gardening,” Bradford explained.

He also thanked the utility company for similar water improvement interventions undertaken in other communities including Kako, Jawalla and Kamarang. The RC appealed for similar works to be carried out in Waramadong, “where we have the secondary school there, our large concentrate of young people and other villagers who need this type of service.” GWI’s Managing Director has since committed to assist in this regard.

Chinoweng’s Toshao Roger Roland expressed gratitude for the initiative, “For long years now we suffer from the water. Where we’re living is an open savannah and we have to go till to the creek for water so I am proud that GWI is providing the water supply in my community.”

GWI will be consulting with the residents, to apprise them of the progress and benefits of the three-month project.

(From left) Chairperson of GWI’s board, Sherie Samatha Fedee, Toshao of Chinoweng, Roger Roland, Regional Chairman, Region Seven, Gordon Bradford, Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles signing the MOU.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

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