– Minister Ali assures residents normal water supply will return
HOUSING and Water Minister Irfaan Ali has once again condemned the actions of  illegal miners, who have repeatedly disrupted the supply of water in Mahdia by destroying important water service infrastructure. He explained, “Damage was done to the water system in Mahdia by miners since April, when we issued an initial warning. That damage was repaired by GWI; however, the reckless disregard for the community continues, as illegal miners have repeatedly destroyed distribution lines and mains, significantly affecting the livelihood of the residents.”
Ali gave assurances that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) would cooperate with  regional officials as well as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to address the destruction of the water distribution system, which was perpetrated by illegal miners.
Ali also indicated that, following another phase of destruction by illegal miners, a GWI team has been working around the clock since early October, to repair all damaged mains and distribution lines in an effort to restore normal service to the community as early as possible.
Although GWI repaired all damage to the distribution system along the road towards  Salbora Creek in April, water supply was disrupted once again by illegal mining activities.
This affected several sections of the Mahdia community, which were made to endure diminished levels of service due to ruptured distribution lines.
Minister Ali pointed out that, in an attempt to protect the community’s supply, GWI plans to replace the current PVC distribution lines with high-density polyethylene mains.
He said, “The hinterland continues to be a significant priority for us. Every measure will be taken to alleviate communities affected by poor water supply.  In excess of $600M has been invested to provide clean, safe water to hinterland communities over the past five years, (and this) has benefited 55,000 residents.”
Minister Ali reassured Mahdia residents that the team currently in the community will work until normal service is restored, and that GWI will continue to partner with  community leaders and monitor the supply provided to the residents after this challenge would have been resolved.