Jackson, Moleson Creek Villages get $10M water distribution system

GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, May 25, 2017

Residents of Jackson and Moleson Creek villages, on the lower Corentyne, for the first time, will benefit from access to potable water. This follows the commissioning of a water distribution network by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

The $10 Million project was undertaken after residents in the area voiced their plight at an outreach held in the community by Minister of Social Cohesion now Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.

“When I was told that the people in this area, do not get water, I said to myself that I would do everything possible to ensure that you get water and that you benefit from one of programmes of government, and so I immediately spoke with Dr. Van West-Charles, who readily responded and said, “Amna, definitely I would be able to do something for the residents there,” Minister Ally who was at the commissioning of the project on Wednesday explained.

Chairperson of Jackson/Moleson Creek NDC, Ramela Bhadrasain-Singh said the Council is pleased with government’s response. “Today is indeed a happy day for us in the area. We have been unable to access water and it is indeed a change coming to Crabwood Creek and I am happy, and I welcome this project and I look forward to many more coming to our community,” Bhadrasain-Singh said.

Through the intervention, the residents will now save a considerable amount of time and money previously spent on buying and transporting water for their daily needs. This impact was noted by Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for water, Dawn Hastings-Williams.

“I have seen some experience where people walk for hours to have access to water. I have seen instances where people paid money to bring

water to their home and that money could have been used to further their children’s education, to buy a healthy snack for their children, but they had to use that (money) to hire vehicles so that they can have access to water that is being dropped to their home, but I must say that this is no more in Moleson/Jackson Creek because I understand that you are having your 24-hour supply,” Minister Hastings-Williams said.

The installation of the water supply is in keeping with President David Granger’s vision of providing equal access to services to all Guyanese irrespective of their geographical location.

It is also in keeping with GWI’s mandate to deliver safe, adequate and affordable water to residents for improved public health and sustainable economic development. GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West- Charles explained.

“For us, this is a project well deserved…it is long overdue and you have suffered, but I would say to you that this is just the beginning of the change that is expected and we shall deliver,” the Managing Director said.

To further improve water services in the Jackson and Moleson Creek areas, the GWI Managing Director has committed to provide the area with a, solar powered well by the end of the year.

 

By:  Macalia Santos