THE Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has collaborated with 17 local contractors on a programme to combat the dry-weather phenomenon in communities in Region Nine.According to a release, the contractors involved in well-drilling were invited to meet with Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GWI, Dr Richard Van-West Charles in early March.

The GWI chief executive provided details on the urgency of the situation in Region Nine, including the fact that many communities are in need of new potable water wells since the existing sources of water have been depleted due to the prolonged dry season.

Since March 2016, the response from local contractors and members of the private sector has been overwhelming with donations amounting to in excess of G$8M.

As a gesture of gratitude, the contractors involved were invited to a meeting with Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Chief Executive, Dr Van-West Charles on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the GWI Corporate Complex.

Minister Hastings-Williams personally thanked the delegation of contractors and stated that she was pleased with the response of the local contractors as well as the private sector.

“Indeed, the situation in Region Nine warrants our urgent attention and I am heartened by the response of our local contractors and the business community,” stated Minister Hastings-Williams.

She added: “I urge all Guyanese to emulate this level of cooperation and partnership as we work together to build the nation.”

Dr Van-West Charles explained that with financial support from the local contractors, eight potable water wells will be drilled in Wowetta, Rupertee, Aranaputa, Kwaimatta, Marcanata, Shulinab, Potarinau and Kumu – Region Nine.

Work commenced this week on the potable water wells.

The chief executive expressed gratitude to all the contractors who contributed to the programme, including Andre Webb Drilling Company, S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, CB General Contracting Services Inc, Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services, R Kissoon Contracting Service, Faldhari Singh & Son Contracting Services, BK International, HJ Contracting Service, AAV Ragoobeer General Construction, Oniel Jordon Construction, Fyffe Building and Contracting Services, Satar Mohamed and Son Construction, Manohar Services, Dresden Geotechnical Services, M Ahmad Construction, John and John’s Construction and Nabi Construction Inc.

Dr Van-West Charles also thanked the business community and private donors for their contributions, including Ganesh Parts and General Store, Renie Mitchell, Larry Bynoe, Olani Husbands and Bibi Osman.