Two new wells commissioned in Region One as gov’t inches closer to closing gap in hinterland communities
Two new water systems were commissioned at Five Miles and Seven Miles in the Mourca sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini) by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Coral on Saturday.
Croal said this is two of 25 wells to be drilled in Region One this year in keeping with the government’s plan to ensure all hinterland residents have access to potable water. This will cost the government some $700 million.
The Guyana Water Inc. undertook to drill the new wells and construction of new water systems at Five Miles and Seven Miles in collaboration with the Village council a few months ago.
A total of $30 million was expended for these two new water systems in addition to the upgrade and expansion of the Karaburi Water supply system.
More than 800 persons are benefitting from these projects.
In 2020, water coverage was 38 per cent in Region One, it is currently 79 per cent and by the end of 2024 it will be over 90 per cent.
Minister Croal, during brief remarks, asked residents to care the facilities and to also be patient as the government moves to other communities.
Part of the problem, he said, is that wells are being drilled, but the water sources are not found to be sufficient in some cases.
For instance, four times drilling was done in Waramuri, Region One but those attempts were unsuccessful.
Croal said that had the first well been successful he could have drilled three other wells already.
The total Budget for drilling at least 40 wells in the Hinterland in 2024 is $1.5 Billion.
The other areas to benefit are Santa Cruz, Warapoka, Kokerite, Barima Koriabo, Hotoquai, St Anselm Barima River, Red Hill, Hobodeia, Powaikuru, Smith Creek, Waikrebi, Assakata, Chinese Landing, Kariako, Sebai, Koriabo Arukamai Village, Imbetero, Santa Rosa Island, Mabaruma (2), Four Mile, Haimaruni, Cabrora, Rincon, Mora and Para.
There are also plans for the expansion of water supply systems in Arakaka, Skyland, Khan’s Hill, Karaburi.
According to GWI reports, more than $3.4 billion was invested in the Hinterland from August 2020 to present. Another $1.5 billion is being invested in 2024.
Additionally, GWI claims more than 75 new wells have been completed to provide service to more than 15,000 persons for the first time.
