President Ali highlights improved access to potable water in indigenous villages

President Irfaan Ali during the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference [Photo: Office of the President [July 11, 2022]

With 20 new wells already drilled, Dr. Ali said by the end of 2022 another 30 wells will also be drilled, taking potable water to never-before serviced communities and villages.

“This by itself is a headline story for any international media.

“Ensuring we have safe, reliable water is towards improving quality of life,” Dr. Ali added.

He said those affected by a lack of access to water in indigenous communities are mostly women and girls.

“They are the ones who have to wake up at 4 am to go and get water to do cooking. They spend hours just to secure safe water.

“When we can take away that lost time from women and girls, they can use the time to empower themselves and get an education…those are the aspects of these investments that we sometimes lose but when we speak about the quality of life this is what we are talking about,” he said.

Residents of Kokerite village using their hand water pump system (Photo: DPI)

Recently, 20 Community Service Officers (CSOs) from Kato, Region Eight, were equipped with the knowledge to carry out installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Guyana Water Incorporated photovoltaic pumping systems in their communities.

Hinterland communities that benefitted from first time access and improved access to potable water include:

1. Kamwatta (Region 1)
2. Yarakita (Region 1)
3. White Water (Region 1)
4. Matthews Ridge (Region 1)
5. Oronoque (Region 1)
6. Falls Top (Eclipse) Spring (Region 1)
7. Kariako (Region 1)
8. Rincon (Region 1)
9. Mora (Region 1)
10. One Mile (Region 1)
11. Kumaka (Region 1)
12. Santa Rosa (Region 1)
13. Barbina (Region 1)
14. Arakaka well (Region 1)
15. Baramita well (Region 1)
16. Waramuri well (Region 1)
17. Barima Nobo (Region 1)
18. St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Region Four)
19. Moraikobai (Region Five) – Over 1, 000 residents of Moraikobai are benefitting from new water service connections and an improved water supply, following a Government of Guyana investment of G$5M to upgrade the village’s water supply system.
20. Kamarang (Region 7) – 700 residents of Kamarang are benefitting from a new G$45 M Water Supply System.
21. Jawalla (Region 7) – G$40 M water supply system, First time access.
22. Kurutuku (Region 7) – First time access
23. Chiung Mouth (Region 8)- New water system provide 150 persons with potable water
24. Kato (Region 8)
25. Monkey Mountain (Region 8) – 500 plus persons accessing potable water
26. Mahdia (Region 8)
27. Kaibarupai (Region 8)
28. Taruka (Region 8)
29. Katoonarib (Region 9) – 400 plus residents receiving improved access to potable water
30. Potarinau (Region 9) – expansion to the water supply system
31. Parikwarinau (Region 9)
32. Toka (Region 9)
33. Shulinab (region 9) – Access to potable water for 400 plus residents
34. River’s View (Region 10) – 1100 plus residents now have improved access to potable water with the completion of a water supply improvement project.