Residents on the island of Wakenaam, Region Three have been grappling with water supply issues over the past few weeks. Works are, however, underway to ensure that they benefit from improved water quality and a greater supply of water.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal visited the island on Saturday and inspected works ongoing at the Noitgedacht well.
At this site, a $50 million well was commissioned two years ago by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. There is another well nearby that was used before.
The newer well encountered some issues and upon inspection, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) personnel determined cleaning and maintenance works were needed.
To cushion the disruptions that would be caused by maintenance works, the old well is being cleaned first so that water can be supplied to the residents when the newer well is dealt with.
While these adjustments are being made, residents were advised that their water supply will continue but on a limited basis. Half of the residents will receive water for 24 hours and then this supply will be switched over to the other for the next 24 hours. This cycle will repeat until both wells are in order.
“There will be a week to a week and a half of further disruptions,” Minister Croal said, asking the residents to be patient as GWI fixes the issues.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Outside of the supply issues, Minister Croal told residents that a contract will be inked in the coming week for a water treatment plant on the island.
With this plant, residents will benefit from treated water- a key goal of the government. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government is aiming for Guyana’s entire coastline to benefit from treated water by 2025.
“We’ll sign the contract in the new week. It is a two years duration but we want them to bring this in by the end of next year
“They (residents of Wakenaam) will have their own treatment plant and the new well will serve that treatment plan.
“We’re working overtime now to ensure that things are done and as quickly as possible,” Croal said while engaging reporters during his visit to the Noitgedacht well.
