Low water levels disrupting tourism, daily activities at Essequibo lake communities 

Low water levels, a direct result of the ongoing dry season, are disrupting tourism and daily activities in Essequibo lake communities.

The effects of the dry spell are visible all around, with swimming almost impossible at lake resorts since the water has significantly receded.

Terry Salaru, General Manager of the Lake Mainstay Resort, said while visitors continue to check in at the hotel, “what is an issue is for some of the day trippers and guests who use the lake for recreational/ beach activities since the level of the water is very low.”

Toshao Aubrey Fredericks of Tapakuma Lake, one of the biggest lakes in Guyana, said: “this is the lowest level he has seen the water in the creek and the lake at.”

He indicated that some of the residents do their laundry at the creek but it seems soon that would not be possible due to the water being low and muddy.

The residents of Arouka, Mainstay which lies on the shores of Tapakuma Lake say washing is now very challenging.

Some residents living in Mainstay rely on the other half of the lake for many purposes, including washing.

Annastacia Joseph said because the water left is settled in the weeds “it makes the water itchy” for swimming and bathing purposes. One resident indicated that few persons had used it for drinking but stopped after observing the condition of the water.

The lakes serve multiple purposes, including irrigating farmlands. The lake at Tapakuma, for example, feeds water through the Dawa Pump Station.

(Text and Photos by Keanu Thomas)