ICT services for Katoonarib and Swariwau

─ water infrastructure to be upgraded

─ Ministerial Outreach in Rupununi Region continues

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 16, 2019

Information technology and access to potable water came up for discussion in the villages of Katoonarib and Swariwau as day two of the Ministerial Outreach continued in Region 9, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Managing Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr. Richard Van West-Charles along with a team of officials met with residents from the two communities on Saturday, February 16.

Minister Hughes noted that her ministry is aware of the lack of communication that exists between the Hinterland and the Coast.

She explained that works are on stream to put the infrastructure in place that would allow for information and communication technology services to be implanted in their communities. These improvements, she said, would also allow for access to information on the world wide web.

The minister highlighted that since the formation of the Public Telecommunications Ministry, villages such as Aishalton, Sand Creek, St. Ignatius, Annai, Karasabai, Kato, Paramakatoi, Mabaruma and much more, now have improved ICT access.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes discussing the ICT services slated to be implemented in Katoonarib and Swariwau with the residents

Managing Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van West-Charles highlighting plans to upgrade the water infrastructure in the two villages

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and one of the young residents

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes presents sport gear to one of the residents

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, Managing Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and other officials examine a pump

Managing Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van West-Charles hands over farming equipment to a resident

Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes [fourth from left] and Managing Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van West-Charles [third from left] with residents and representatives of Katoonarib and Swariwau

Over 300 schools also have ICT services and can now participate in virtual classrooms with those from the coastland.

Minister Hughes told the villagers that as the country awaits the Appeal Court’s decision the APNU+AFC Government remains in place and assures that with the passage of the 2019 budget in the National Assembly, government will continue to implement its development plans that have been budgeted.

Meanwhile, Dr. Van West-Charles told residents of the two communities that while the management of the utility company is concerned about the use of water consumption, they also have the economic and social wellbeing of citizens at heart.

Dr. Van West-Charles told the residents that “health centres cannot function without continuous access, likewise, water is needed at schools, Hot Meal hubs, cassava factories, farms and more.” He therefore reassured the residents that their water infrastructure that existed for many years will be looked at and rehabilitated where necessary to provide easy access to communities.

Both government officials also addressed concerns raised by residents in an open discussion.

Among several items handed over to the Katoonarib and Swariwau residents were flour, agricultural tools, bags, water bottles, exercise books, footwear from the ministry.

The meeting is part of a massive Ministerial Outreach in the region which begun on Friday, February 15 and will conclude on Sunday, February 17.

Images: Karime Peters