Over 150 families along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway get potable water for the first time

Georgetown GINA, June 3, 2016

 

More than 150 families along the Soesdyke Linden Highway are benefitting from potable water for the first time. This is after a well was drilled and a water supply system installed in their community.

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Executive Director for Infrastructure Planning and Implementation, Ramchand Jailal, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that GWI is moving aggressively to serve communities not receiving water.

Jailal explained that GWI is also in the process of setting up a water supply system at Silver Hill, another community along the Highway. “That one is presently being tested and works are ongoing and we’re hoping to have that well completed within another two weeks for residents in the area to benefit from potable water supply,” he said.

Drought earlier this year resulted in residents of Silver Hill being without access to water in their community. The residents, including school children had to access water from tankers or creeks far away. “It is expected that when the new well is drilled the residents will be relieved from their burdens,”Jailall said, adding that works should be completed within the next 2 months.

Additionally works are ongoing in several communities on the East Coast Demerara including Dazzle Housing Scheme, Lusignan, the railway embankment and President’s College road. GWI is installing additional transmission mains for persons who have no access to water in those communities. Residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice are also to benefit from water supply.

Over $252 million was allocated in the 2015 budget for the provision of improved water supply systems which will benefit over 8000 hinterland families in Regions One, Seven and Eight. Additionally, wells will be drilled, new photovoltaic systems will be installed and water distribution systems will be upgraded.