Regional consultations verify urgent need for potable water in Region Eight
GINA, GUYANA, Wednesday, May 17, 2017
The Ministry of Communities in collaboration the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) regional consultations with Regional Democratic Councils across Guyana continues.
The final consultation was held in Region Eight, Potaro Siparuni at the Region’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom at Mahdia.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrel
While presenting the findings of the survey, consultant, Florence Younge revealed the urgent need for potable water in the region. Younge said the lack of potable water access in the Region is alarming, and needs immediate attention.
The use of improved drinking water sources which include the supply of potable water from taps and available bottled water in the region amounted to 65.2 percent while only 22.2 percent of the region’s population treat their water. This means that most of the water used by residents is contaminated and unsafe for drinking.
Other areas identified for immediate attention include attendance to early childhood education which stands at 51 percent, early child development index and birth registration at 74.1 and 82.6 percent respectively, among others.
The remaining data gathered in the region focused on nutrition, water and sanitation, child development and HIV/AIDS.
The data was gathered using the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). MICS is a nationally representative sample survey of
Consultant,UNICEF, Florence Younge
households, designed to provide statistically reliable estimates on indicators on the situation of children and women at the national, urban and rural levels, and for the interior and coastal areas.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrel said sharing the information with the regions is pivotal, and allows for better decision making, and planning.
McGarrel said, “The data seeks to capture information related to child and maternal health issues, tips and other types of social challenges to be highlighted. You need to have an appreciation for what the data is saying about your region.”
He encouraged the gathering to consume the information and provide feedback as it is necessary to assist them in addressing problems which affect residents in the region.
The first consultation was held in Region Two and continues across Guyana.
By: Ranetta La Fleur