– over 1,000 residents benefitting

THE GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) commissioned the Aishalton Water Supply System in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Sunday, bringing improved water quality and supply to some 1,000 residents.

The residents of Aishalton and surrounding villages attended the commissioning ceremony and were addressed by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; GWI Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and other officials.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Allicock said that water is one of the world’s most valuable natural resources, and all Guyanese deserve equal access to it.
He stated that government is committed to giving citizens a feeling of satisfaction by solving the problems which affect them.

“There is progress and it’s happening now,” he said, while adding that the “government is committed to doing its best to bring quality life to all Guyanese.” Minister Allicock noted that approximately $50M has been expended to ensure that residents there get access to potable water.

Allicock stated that he is aware of the challenges presented by droughts which affect the region, and urged residents to cooperate with the government and its agencies to ensure that they achieve the best out of the project.
Some of the areas he highlighted which will benefit from the improved water supply are the home, agriculture, businesses and schools.

Apart from the water supply system, the minister said that the government has developed trails which will eventually become roads, commissioned Radio Aishalton, brought internet hubs to the community and continues to work in the interest of teachers and students.
Moving forward, he urged villagers to work along with the South Rupununi District Council to complete their Village Improvement Plan, so that they can be better understood and their most pressing needs met.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Dr. Van-West Charles told the residents that the water supply system has been made available for all residents despite their political affiliation, as is their right.
He said the GWI is working to ensure that water is supplied to the village 24/7.

“More and more we want to ensure that the service that you have is 24/7. So, we are going to be adjusting; we are going to be monitoring to ensure that you have water 24/7. If there’s a hiccup, we’re here to remedy [that] with you,” he assured the residents.
Dr. Van-West Charles also urged residents to swiftly report to the GWI any leaks or changes in water quality, even as he pointed out that the water company is held accountable by the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Toshao of Aishalton, Michael Thomas, said that residents across the region have been benefitting from the wells that are being drilled by the government and its agency.
He expressed his gratitude to the collective team, stating: “We want to thank the Guyana Water Incorporated for bringing us such a great project. We would have seen

improvements in the lives of our people across Guyana and also in areas in development other than bringing accessible [water supply] to the host [sic] of our people. We want to thank you for that.”