MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues on Sunday assured residents of the Region Five(Mahaica-Berbice) community of Moraikobai, that the village’s water supply system will be expanded to ensure water availability closer to homes.

Minister Rodrigues, during her interactions with the residents, received several complaints about the neglect of the water system. She was informed that not only is the water supply insufficient for the population, but access to it is limited.

Bridget France, a resident, informed that many of the approximately 20 stand pipes in the community are non-functional.

The village, which has a population of approximately 1,200 persons, is being served by a single shallow well that was drilled some years ago. Additionally, residents source their water from rainfall and the Mahaicony River.

As part of a short-term solution to address villagers’ concerns, Minister Rodrigues made a commitment to have the existing stand pipes repaired, and simultaneously expand the distribution network in keeping with the capacity of the well.

This, she anticipates, will ensure more persons have access to the water system, more so closer to their homes.

She also assured Moraikobai Toshao, Colin Adrian that Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) will return to flush the distribution network and repair leaks, since complaints of a high iron content were also made.

Further, in an effort to maintain the system regularly, the Minister said her Ministry and GWI will look at employing servicemen from within the village, who will be able to address any technical issues residents may have on a timely basis.

GWI is expected to present a full report on the village’s water system to the Minister following an assessment, which would pave the way for the drilling of a new well in the new year.

The Minister further highlighted that Moraikobai is a growing community that is ripe for investment, and therefore posited that the community will not be neglected by her Ministry, or the current administration.

Minister Rodrigues, on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), also handed over food hampers to villagers. These included 250 sacks of rice, 1,200 pounds of peas, and 1,200 pounds of channa.

This visit is the realisation of a promise made by the Minister prior to being appointed to office, to return to the community and address the needs of villagers.