– following recent discovery of mercury in Kaituma River

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has committed to making alternative sources of water available to the residents of Port Kaituma, following the discovery of mercury contamination in the Kaituma River, the main source of water supply for Region One (Barima-Waini).

Test results have revealed mercury levels higher than the concentration acceptable to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Kaituma River, thus making it unsafe for use.
Part of GWI’s mandate is to ensure that water is safe, so tests are carried out regularly. Samples were taken from the Kaituma River and sent to the Kaizen Environmental Services Laboratory in Trinidad, where it tested positive for mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal in liquid form used during gold-mining activities.

Since GWI discovered the presence of the substance in the Kaituma River back in May, it took a decision to cease pumping the water to residents, while it carries out tests at other sections of the source.

Managing-Director Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and a team of officials met with the chairperson and councillors of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in Port Kaituma last Saturday to discuss with them the company’s challenges and plans to address the issue, since residents are heavily dependent on surface water from the Kaituma River.

In a recent press release, GWI explained that there are two wells in the community which GWI intends to activate. One is situated at Turn Basin and another at Citrus Grove, both in Port Kaituma.

Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership Building, Mr. Ramchand Jailal has noted, however, that when operational, they will still be insufficient to serve all of the residents all at once, as the water level is low.

In order to address the situation, Jailal said, GWI wants to work with the NDC to identify a suitable site to commence drilling a new well immediately.
He explained that this is urgent and therefore the decision was taken to secure the services of a contractor who recently drilled a well in the neighbouring community of Oronoque.
Jailal said that 200ft from the current Turn Basin well would be an ideal location to drill the new well, which is expected to be completed within two to three weeks and the water gravity-fed to homes from an existing storage tank.

He also cautioned residents to be mindful of consuming water from the river. And in an effort to provide relief and an improved service to the community, Dr. Van-West Charles also committed to ensuring the Oronoque well is completed within two weeks; completing a new well at Arakaka; installing a C2 Lifesaver filter tank at the Port Kaituma hospital; ensuring a sufficient water supply for the new school term; and exploring additional water sources at Four-Miles to supply the Pittsburgh and other areas.

Additionally, the managing-director has requested the region to assist in identifying areas without access to potable water, so that GWI can make the necessary interventions.