By: Vishani Ragobeer

CABINET has approved several contracts for the installation of water transmission and distribution networks and service connections at Kuru Kuru and Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.The project is being undertaken by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). Installation of a transmission and distribution network at Wayakabra was also approved.

The contract at Kuru Kuru and Kuru Kururu was awarded to R. Kissoon Contracting Services for a sum of $47,973,000M, while the contract at Wayakabra was given to S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies for a sum of $45,495,000M.

These investments are part of the GWI’s Expanded Water Distribution Plan and its Water Safety Plans. The move to foster portable water in these rural areas along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway is also part of the Government’s ongoing programme to provide potable water to rural communities that have been denied the human right of having access to potable, clean, usable water. Minister Harmon noted that this programme is endeavoring to improve the quality of life for residents and to make these communities more “attractive” for residential settlement.

Sustainable access to safe drinking water falls under the 7th goal and 10th target of the Millennium Development Goals, commissioned by the United Nation in September 2000. Further, ensuring access to water and sanitation for all is the 6th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals, which was put into effect as on January 1, 2016 and also commissioned by the United Nations. These goals have all been adopted by Guyana and seek to promote human rights of all people across the world.

Recently, areas such as Byderabo Hill Top – a community in Bartica, as well as in North Sophia have been granted access to portable water after struggling for a number of years. These are all initiatives which fall under the government’s adherence to the goals agreed upon by the United Nations.

In addition to these areas along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, proposed to gain access to portable water, cabinet has also commissioned the rehabilitation of portable water wells in Georgetown, including at Shelter Belt #1, North Ruimveldt Shelter Belt #2, along with Tucville and Mocha. This contract was awarded to Water and Oil Wells Inc. for $20 million.