RESIDENTS of Lima Sands village on the Essequibo Coast have issued an urgent call for water for drinking, washing and bathing purposes, because the rotting carcass of a cow, seen floating in the main canal, has contaminated their only source of potable water.Residents say that besides the canal, the well-populated village depends on rain water for drinking purposes.

The current dry weather is reportedly wreaking havoc among residents, and the amount of rain water stored in black tanks is at alarmingly low levels. (Rajendra Prabhulall)