Region 7 to Benefit From New & Upgraded Water Supply Systems

Friday, April 20, 2018 – Georgetown, Guyana: As part of a continuous effort to supply potable water access to outlying communities countrywide, GWI visited a number of villages in Region 7 on Tuesday, April 17, with a view of providing a constant source of supply and treatment to those without.

During the visits which stemmed from a meeting between GWI and the Region 7 Democratic Council earlier in the day, it was noted that some of the existing water supply systems that were constructed approximately 5-8 years ago, need remodelling and reconstructing, due to their faulty nature and inability to produce water.

Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, who was accompanied by a team of senior officials, informed Regional Chairman, Mr. Gordon Bradford and Regional Executive Officer Mr. Roderick Edinboro, that the Region currently lacks adequate water sources to supply all residents. This has forced GWI to provide a sectional delivery of water every other day.

He also highlighted that the Region’s terrain makes it difficult for certain villages to gain water access from the existing water treatment plant.

Attempts to drill additional wells have been unfruitful, since rock formations underground prevent drillers from accessing water.

Another major issue that is interfering with the water supply is wastage by customers who leave their taps on throughout the night.

In this regard, GWI called on the Region to obtain support from various groups such as the religious and business communities to tackle the situation of wastage.

A number of other mechanisms were also proposed to alleviate the current situation.

C2 Filters

A notable intervention was GWI’s proposal to install Lifesaver C2 filter tanks in villages that rely on rainwater and creeks as their main sources. This will help to reduce the possibility of water borne diseases and allow villagers to treat even the river water during the dry season for consumption.

Based on GWI’s research, Dr. Van West-Charles highlighted nine areas that require the installation of the C2 filters, while requesting of the Chairman an extensive list of villages that are in need of same.

A proposal was made to the Region to partner with GWI and the Ministries of Communities, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Education, in the acquisition of the filters to improve water quality for residents.

Mr. Bradford welcomed the proposal, indicating that although some of the villages are scattered, the filters can be placed at central locations and eliminate any concerns surrounding pollution of the river.

Intervention for Batavia & Daag Point

A visit to the Batavia Mainland and Island revealed that this village depends heavily on rain. Speaking with Deputy Toshao, Ms. Candacy Williams and Principal of the School Ms. Volda Hasings, GWI was informed that out of a population of approximately 400, the primary school has 126 students and the nursery, 36. Meanwhile, the health center Nurses Ms. Wendy Reevers, Gleary Williams Smith and Ryan Joseph noted that the facility also lacks adequate access to potable water, especially during the dry season. At the Batavia Island, GWI will work to activate a nearby creek and treat the water using a slow sand filter to supply the two facilities and the rest of the population.

Meanwhile, the Bativia Mainland and Daag Point are experiencing a similar situation, where the water supply systems need remodelling and treatment.

New water sources for Four & Five Miles

GWI has engaged Mr. Phillip Augustin, a resident of Bartica, to access a spring on his property that has been a constant source of water supply to villagers in the past. Mr. Augustin has agreed to enter into a contract with GWI, so that the water can be treated and a reservoir constructed before distribution to communities such as Four Miles.

In addition, GWI will be attempting to drill another well some distance from the spring, so as to ensure a sustainable supply to residents daily.

Four Miles has not been receiving an adequate supply of water due to its geographic location from the existing source.

During an outreach at the Four Miles Junction, Dr. Van West-Charles also pledged to provide first-time access to Five Miles, which depends mainly on rainwater. GWI will be examining the possibility of installing a reservoir at a nearby creek and a treatment system to supply the community of approximately 40 households with first-time potable water access.

The team of officials also met with residents of Byderabo who voiced concerns about air in the pipelines. GWI has committed to installing air valves along the distribution network to remedy the issue.

Mr. Bradford expressed gratitude to GWI for the efforts in expanding its reach across Region 7 and encouraged residents to support the utility in its quest to improve water supply services.