AS the world observed World Water Day on March 22, over 45
households from the villages of Deutichan, Highbury and Lighttown on
the East Bank of Berbice now have access to potable water in their
homes after some 30 years.

The ceremony was held at the Indian Commemoration Site, Plantation
Highbury, EBB and was well attended by residents.

This was made possible through the installation of a new water supply
network by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to the tune of some $30
M.

According to the GWI Managing-Director Dr Richard Van-West Charles, the
project was executed in-house by GWI staff and was done in record
time. Charles explained that had the project been executed by
contractors, it would have been an additional $20M and probably would
have taken longer.

Charles was high in praise for the team and reminded the gathering
that “water is not a luxury, it’s a human right”. He continued that the
theme, ‘Nature for Water’ under which World Water Day was being
observed, serves as a reminder for everyone to be mindful of the eco
-system and to be mindful of waste disposal, since contamination of the
water not only leads to serious health-related issues, but can also
lead to massive floods, making reference to the floods of 2002.

“Every 21 seconds a child dies globally due to water-related issues.
Hence, this matter of access to potable water is very vital and
important. The access to sanitation and hygiene is very critical. We
as a people have got to seriously address the sustainable goals that
deal with waste-water treatment in all of our communities. This issue
is not singular to GWI, but relevant to all sectors of development.
Ensure the waterways are protected and safe. This must be a
responsibility of every one. If not embraced, we will be in trouble as
a people.”

In closing, the managing-director assured those communities without
water or having issues not to despair, that they had a plan and were
working towards ensuring every resident had access to potable water,
regardless of where they lived.

“We are concerned, we are committed; we want to say to you the
communities that still do not yet have access that we are working
aggressively. We can only do so much, we want our customers to
understand that the gaps we have will be addressed, but you also have
to step up and pay your water rates”.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan,
who was unable to attend the commissioning ceremony, Preston Prince
noted that the setting up of the distribution network was a
significant achievement for the government and people and was one of
many in store for the country for neglected communities.

He said:“We are all well aware [that] the residents of these areas were neglected over the years, but I can assure you that it is this government’s
intention that every single citizen in this wonderful country of ours
receives access to potable water wherever they live.
“The development of our infrastructure in an equitable way continues to be a top priority of this government, whether it’s the supply of potable water,
enhancing our network of roads or improving our education sector. This
administration is concerned that the livelihoods of our resident are
not compromised.   I want to assure you that we will not be distracted
by the naysayers who want to distract us from what has to be done. We
are determined to restore the credibility of our country and the
prosperity of our people.”

Promise Fulfilled

Residents of the area have been without water for the past 30 plus
years and were dependent on water being trucked in or from a well,
which ceased to function after a while.  The residents eventually
protested in November last when Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, along with GWI
representatives visited the area. After hearing of their plight, the
minister promised the residents to look into the matter and to have a
speedy resolution. Works commenced in January 2018 and were completed
in early March.

Residents were overjoyed and some were moved to tears as they told
this publication of the struggles they had to endure.

“I living here all my life and even when the old pump was working, I
barely was able to get in me yard, now I have water upstairs, my flush
toilet working, I can shower, all my tanks full up. I never been so
happy in me life”.

Another resident whose household has 13 occupants, most of whom are
children, was moved to tears of joy as he mentioned “life is better for
me family”.

Mitford Warde , another resident, said this was by far the fastest
promise fulfilled to the communities and it was remarkable, as GWI had
eased the burden of finding water on a daily basis.