Water Sector utilised most of Communities’ 2017 budgetary allocation spent thus far

DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 31, 2017

The Ministry of Communities has spent 29 percent of its $1B 2017 budgetary allocation, thus far for the year. Most of the monies were used to upgrade and improve the distribution of potable water across Guyana according to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan.

At the Ministry’s midyear press conference, today at the Regency Hotel, Minister Bulkan explained that it is the ministry’s mandate to provide potable water access and sanitation, in addition to ensuring that neighbourhoods, towns and regions are managed and developed by democratically elected residents, environments are cleaned and safe, and access provided to affordable housing solutions.

The Minister further explained that the “European Union and Inter-American Bank funded project for the construction of three treatment plants at Uitvlught, Diamond and Sheet Anchor has specifically used most of the money from the budget.”

Managing Director at GWI, Dr. Richard Van West Charles indicated that the contract for this project, which is expected to benefit over 50,000 people, has been awarded after experiencing procurement issues. “We’re now waiting on the awardee to comply with the necessary financial arrangements of the bond, and the requirements to have a local bank account”, Dr. Van West Charles explained.

He further noted that a number of filter systems have been installed in several hinterland communities including Kamarang and Baracara among others. In the interim, GWI is providing some small filters and jerry cans in other hinterland communities.

Currently, he added, GWI is making efforts to test water in several hinterland communities especially those where villagers use supplies from creeks and rivers. The water company is also collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and Education for water quality testing at schools and health facilities across the country. There are also plans to construct testing labs in coastal communities.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur