New water supply for Rincon community

DPI, GUYANA, Wednesday, March 21, 2018

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) today signed an agreement with the Santa Rosa Village Council at its Shelterbelt boardroom, which will see the provision of a community water supply system in Rincon, a small village in the Moruca Sub-district in Barima Waini (Region One).

Managing Director, GWI, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles presents Regional Chairman, Region One, Bretnol Lashley and Toshao, Santa Rosa, Sherwin Abrams a copy of the agreement.

The project valued at more than $3.2M will provide potable water to over 100 households in Rincon, via 1.5-kilometre transmission lines. The new system also caters for the installation of standpipes at strategic locations for residents to access water supplied through the network. Works are expected to be completed within one month.

Managing Director, GWI, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles said the utility company is committed towards the enhancement of its services in Region One

“Here we are providing access to a community that really struggled for a long time to have access to water. We have been working with Region One; we attended the Toshao conference where we did an analysis in which there are a number of communities that are accessing rainwater, others from small creeks and different sources and require our attention,” Dr. Van West Charles explained.

The Managing Director applauded the Regional Democratic Council, Toshao and Santa Rosa Council for their continuous support. He stated that efforts will shift towards groundwater sources (creeks, rivers) in addition to the surface water sources, to ensure that the communities in the region and across the hinterland have improved water security.

“One of the things we must look at is that majority of the hinterland regions are accessing water from surface water sources but the threat of climate change which is real, presents a challenge that can make development difficult for many of these communities,” the Managing Director underlined.

(Seated from left)- Toshao, Santa Rosa, Sherwin Abrams, Regional Chairman, Region One, Bretnol Lashley and Managing Director, GWI, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles signing the agreement. Also, in picture Project Implementation and Partnership Building, Executive Director, GWI Ramchand Jailall (standing left) and Engineer, Gary Ifill.

He added that “the fact that these communities are taking water from natural sources calls our attention to some critical issues such as watershed management and protection of the environment to ensure that what we practice is safe.”

Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley expressed his gratitude for the undertaking. He pointed out that the region is on the verge of transformation and promised that the RDC is committed to working closely with various organisations and state agencies to accelerate this process.

“This is a sign of the partnership that GWI and the RDC would have forged over two years now. Dr. Van West Charles and I would have been in constant discussion as it relates to water development across the Barima Waini region,” Ashley related.

He highlighted that communities such as Smith Creek and Powaikuru will be benefitting from similar projects, which will enhance the lives of the residents.

Toshao for Santa Rosa, Sherwin Abrams was elated to be witnessing such a momentous event

“For too long Rincon residents have been pleading for potable water. Water is their main cry and the reality is here and the reality is the Rincon will be receiving water for the very first time and I’m very pleased to finally be sitting here to sign a contract on behalf of my villagers.”

Abrams assured that the water supply system will be properly maintained.

 

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

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