THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) responded on Thursday to an outbreak of diarrhoea at Karrau and River’s View villages in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) by dispatching a team of officials from the head office to join personnel at the regional office to distribute a total of 17 Lifesaver filters to both villages, where reports of the outbreak were more prevalent.GWI had also undertaken to drill a well, and will be installing a pump and distribution network to ensure access to water for the benefit of the 323 residents in Karrau, whose Toshao, Bertille Thomas, received four filters to be made available at strategic locations for residents to use. One filter was given to the health centre and two to the Principal of Karrau Creek Primary School, Theresa Braithwaite.

According to reports from the residents, out of a population of 323 persons in Karrau, 30 persons were diagnosed with diarrhoea, while a few of the residents complained of what they believe to be “typhoid-like” symptoms.

Toshao Thomas believes the illnesses are as a result of the dry weather presently flowing there and the residue emanating from mining activities that pollute the creek from which drinking water is sourced.

Teachers in the villages also reported students escaping from school to drink water from the creek. However, the school’s main source of water is rain.

Over in River’s View, seven filters were given to Ms. Fay Hicks, Principal of Holy Name Primary and Nursery schools, as well as the annex school. One was given to the Community Council for the benefit of residents, and another was given to the health post.

GWI’s Programme Coordinator Richard Hoyte told residents that GWI was informed of the outbreak of diarrhoea and immediately decided to respond accordingly. He explained to Karrau residents that aside from the provision of filters, GWI would be installing a pump to ensure access to potable water for the entire community.

GWI’s Officer in Charge of Region 7, Mr. Elson Khirattie, will be spearheading the installation of the pump. He promised that the community would be able to gain access to the well by next week, following the installation this weekend.

Chemical Engineer Deon Anderson assured the residents that the filters allow for 100 per cent clearance of all micro-organisms. He explained that this was proven following tests on multiple water sources. Anderson also took samples from various water sources within the communities, which will be tested to determine if the water is safe for consumption.

GWI, in a statement on Friday, said the recipients expressed appreciation for the entity’s quick response, noting that the filters and access to the well will significantly aid in curbing the number of cases of diarrhoea.

Just recently, a team of officials headed by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, and Managing Director of GWI Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, delivered filters to residents of Kamarang, Region 7.

GWI’s technical personnel, which consisted of electricians and engineers, also assisted in reactivating the water supply system in Quebanang by repairing the community’s photovoltaic system.