THE community of Karasabai, Region Nine is now benefitting from improved water supply through recent renovation and installation works from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

On Friday, senior GWI officials, including Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles visited the community to observe the drilling of a new well to improve the water supply there.

According to a release, the community previously relied on a water-supply system constructed through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and another existing system.

However, the GWI team found that there was a flaw in the design of the system which could not satisfy the needs of the community; a defect was also observed in other Region Nine villages.

As a result, the Executive Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal, reinforced the call for all funding and execution agencies to ensure that they consult with GWI prior to the commencement of projects which seek to provide potable water services to citizens.

The release stated that the newly drilled well in Karasabai will be connected to the storage tanks on the existing trestle; Dr. Van West-Charles noted that the pipelines on the trestle will be changed and the larger tanks will be placed.

In addition, GWI will also install another larger pump to ensure water is adequately supplied to the community, while other developmental works were carried out on two wells near the airstrip in the village during the visit.

“The wells can provide approximately 100 cubic metres of water per day to serve the community, which includes primary, secondary and nursery schools, the health centre and households,” the release explained.

It added: “Visits to the schools also revealed that there are plumbing issues at the sanitary blocks, no sinks and a lack of water access at these facilities. GWI will work with the Regional Democratic Council and Ministry of Education to correct these issues.”

Meanwhile, the GWI team also visited the Kezee Eco Lodge in Karasabai, where access to water is periodically a challenge.

GWI has devised a plan, utilising the Weyee Creek nearby, to treat the water, using it as a source of water supply for the lodge.

Added to this, approximately 1,020 residents in Sand Creek are benefiting from a new well and other infrastructure following visits from GWI to the village.

“The newly drilled well in the area has significantly improved access to the nursery, primary and secondary schools, dormitory, the health centre and households, which amount to approximately 1,020 persons. A photovoltaic system, equipped with 18 solar panels, was installed to power the new water supply system. Water will now be supplied from this system to fill the community’s tanks,” the release said.

The GWI team on its visit met with Karasabai Toshao Shawn Kartright; Deputy Toshao, Andrew Albert; District Development Officer, Marlon Edwards; and Headmistress (ag) of Karasabai Primary/Secondary School, Michelle George