Several agencies collaborating on Mahdia water system restoration
SEVERAL agencies are collaborating to address, shortly, the woes surrounding the Mahdia water system, in Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni). The network was severely vandalised by persons unknown, about two weeks ago, resulting in some 250 metres of water mains being disrupted.
The entities involved in the restoration efforts, including the Ministry of Housing and Water and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), are seeking to have the conduits replaced and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will be moving to secure funding from donors to assist.
The costly exercise cannot be dealt with by the ministry alone, as no money was budgeted for the purpose and, in addition to seeking financial help, the ministry would also be looking to use more durable pipelines than the PVC type.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganga Persaud, outlined the way forward at a press conference in his Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown office, yesterday.
He said residents of Mahdia may have information about who the vandals are but the ministry continues to monitor the situation and the Regional Administration, through the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Ronald Harsawack has been keeping the ministry fully informed.
Meanwhile, for the repairs expected to commence soon, the collaboration includes on the design, identification of possible funds source, technical support and supervision for the execution of the remedial work.

NEW DESIGN
The new design will likely see the use of metal pipes and fittings in vulnerable sections instead of the traditional pipes previously used.
Last May 1, several parts of distribution lines were deliberately cut by vandals, causing them to be washed away or removed from the original position and making the entire process inoperable.
Harsawack reported, through the Local Government Ministry, that the vandalism caused a domino effect. At least one section folded under the ebb of the water current and another was broken from the metal coupling.
Reacting to a recent claim, in the media, that substandard work had been done by contractors, Harsawack said, upon inspection, a few things were noted, among them cuts just a few inches beyond the fused points, matching severed areas on non-fused sections of pipes, none of which were compromised or failed.
According to Harsawack, individuals even accused the Regional Administration of faulting miners for the vandalism but he informed the ministry that this was a total misrepresentation and that the Police, being the ones to determine who committed the acts, were formally notified.
The timeframe for the completion of the repairs will hinge on several factors, some of which are materials and equipment access to the Salbora Mountain site, current flow and water levels, he said.