THE water shortage that has hit the village of Kumu, Central Rupununi, is due to failure of a well drilled by the Regional Democratic Council in 2016, the Guyana Water Inc has said.

In a statement, GWI said inspection of the well has revealed that it is pumping muddy water, however, it is difficult to determine the main cause for the failure of the well at this time.
This had caused a major water strain on Kumu Village.

As such, GWI said it has moved to activate a well which it recently drilled. This new well is equipped with a Photovoltaic system and works have commenced for the laying of pipelines for the distribution network. The materials for this exercise were delivered to the Kumu Village by GWI on Thursday. The excavation for the distribution lines, which is being undertaken by villagers, is approximately 30% completed. This is expected to be completed by today. GWI said it remains committed to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to safe water which is an important determinant of improved quality of life.

Meanwhile, the residents of Kumu had called on the regional authority, GWI and government to minimise the stress caused by the continued dry spell by fixing the two community wells. Villagers are now depending on water tanks used in cases of emergencies.
In a release, Kumu Village Senior Councillor, Emeric Francis is concerned about the low water levels and the delayed delivery of pipelines for one well and thorough inspection of the second. “I wrote the regional chairman last month regarding the low water supply due to the prolonged dry season and the urgency of delivering the pipes for one of the wells. He responded that they do have the pipes, but to date they have not been delivered to the village.”

Regarding the second well, Francis explained: “I also reported to the GWI last week that we are not getting any water from the second well, only mud. A GWI representative visited the well last Friday (April 6) and promised to send someone. Today is Wednesday (April 11) and nothing has been done. Meanwhile, Kumu residents are hoping that the rain season starts before our emergency tanks run out of water. We badly need those pipes and a solution for the muddy well.”

Kumu is located in Central Rupununi at the foot of the Kanuku Mountains. The 400-member community is slowly becoming a popular tourist site for enthusiastic climbers, bird watchers anxious to see the elusive cock of the rock, and those seeking to sample the refreshing Kumu Water Falls. With climate change, following weather patterns, the traditional way is difficult. The Rupununi savannahs are dry, with patches of bush fires during the day and night, including on the Kanuku Mountains.

“We don’t know when rainy season will start. We expected rain by now, but nothing. Instead, we see our fish in the creeks all dying because just mud is left. We have experienced dry spells in the past and that is why we have pushed for the wells. If the dry spell continues and our wells are not fixed, we are going to be struggling to survive on very little water. Also, we may not allow visitors to the Kumu Falls. The situation is that serious,” stressed the senior councillor.