The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has invested $22M to drill a new well to a depth of 150 meters and install distribution and transmission pipelines and 36 individual service connections in Moco Moco, Central Rupununi, Region 9.
The project enhances the quality of life for some 160 residents who can now access to potable water in their homes, according to GWI.
The community is located approximately 30 minutes from Lethem.
In a statement, the company said the project was executed by in-house GWI staff with the community’s assistance.
The new water supply system was commissioned on Sunday at the Moco Moco Primary school.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles said that a minimum of 14 wells have been drilled in Region 9 as GWI works assiduously to ensure that all Guyanese have access to potable water.
In the Moco Moco community, he explained, about 5 months ago he led a GWI team which visited to examine the water situation. Four community meetings were hosted since then and a decision was made to drill another well in the community, the statement added.
The community previously had a windmill- driven water supply system which includes a shallow hand-dug well and the water supply proved to be a challenge during the dry season. Further, residents previously had to walk long distances to manually retrieve water from the well, which was prone to contamination.
(GWI photo)
Dr. Van West-Charles told the residents that the water quality is in keeping with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
According to him, water quality testing will be done monthly in the community and the results provided to the residents. Further, the previously existing windmill-driven system will be utilized as a backup and disinfection will be done to allow residents to consume that water as well.
GWI will continue to install individual service connections in the community, allowing even more residents to gain water access in their homes.
The Managing Director pointed out that residents can now have their own flush toilets and showers. There are 16 pensioners in the community and GWI will be gifting those persons showers for Christmas.
Dr. Van West-Charles noted that the new system will support the economic development of the community, making particular reference to agricultural activities. There are two servicemen in the community who will be trained to maintain the water supply system.
Turning his attention to Sustainable Development Goal number 6, which speaks to clean water for all by 2030, Dr. Van West-Charles told the residents that GWI is working to achieve this in Guyana by 2025.
Emphasis, he said, is being placed on ensuring that all schools and health facilities have access to 24 hours water supply.
Meanwhile, also addressing the residents at the commissioning, Minister of Social protection, Amna Ally said that the government is concerned about the issues the residents are facing so that they can be addressed, affording them the good life the president promised.
She pointed out that there is continued development under the Government as the president wants the best for Guyanese. His mandate is to ensure that the quality of life in the hinterland regions is no different from that on the coastland.
Moco Moco Toshao, Mr. James George said that he is overjoyed about the development in his community. He expressed gratitude to Minister Ally, GWI and by extension the Government of Guyana even as he expressed confidence that alot more will be done in the community.
Other residents too expressed gratitude for the water supply system.
