G$2.8B budgeted to improve, expand water infrastructure
– communities countrywide to benefit
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues has said that new measures under PPP/C Administration will increase access to potable water across the country.
The Minister made the comment during her presentation on Budget 2020 in the National Assembly.
“Government has budgeted G$56.5 million for the procurement of smart-water meters for over 2500 customers in the La Parfaite Harmonie, Friendship, Providence, Mon Repos, BV areas. This initiative will result in improved service levels, and a reduction of non-revenue water,” she said.
The Minster further noted that $30 million has been budgeted for the installation of fire hydrants to increase firefighting capabilities in housing areas. The programme will begin in Region Six in East Canje and Fort Ordinance, and is expected to benefit some 20,000 people.
“A sum of $113.3 million has been budgeted for the procurement of pipes to replace aged and encrusted mains between Vlissengen Rd. (Shelterbelt) – West along Church St., to Cummings St., Georgetown. This initiative will result in improved water quality, reduce water losses, and improved level of service (pressure) and is expected to benefit 200,000 persons when the project is completed,” Minister Rodrigues stated.
To effectively tackle water wastage, Minister Rodrigues also mentioned that residents of Region Ten will benefit from the installation of smart meters in Amelia’s Ward, Linden.
Another $25 million has been budgeted for the installation of water transmission lines from the 1763 Monument to Cemetery Road and a similar amount for transmission lines from Shelterbelt to Lamaha Street.
Some 9,300 residents from the hinterland regions will also benefit from a $120 million allocation under a Hinterland Water Supply Programme.
Minister Rodrigues also highlighted a $10 million allocation to procure materials for in-house drilling, construction of water distribution network and expansion in villages including Shulinab, Shea, Chuing Mouth, and Itabac.
“This initiative will result in increased access (first-time access) for some 2,000 residents in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9,” Minister Rodrigues said.