THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has acquired a G$120M well-drilling rig for the hinterland regions, through funding from the Government of Guyana.

The rig was procured from Fox Trading, out of Brazil, and has the capacity to drill beyond 150 meters in depth, within a period of less than two weeks, GWI has noted in a press release.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal commissioned the rig on Saturday in the South Central Rupununi village of Shulinab, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where drilling is underway.

This additional well that is being drilled will result in the extending of GWI’s services to residents in the community that do not have access to safe water. According to GWI, they will also be working along with the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) on the installation of a new distribution network, elevated storage tanks, and upgraded photovoltaic systems so as to provide 24 hours of service to 95% of the community.

Minister Croal stressed that the purchasing of the rig is a worthwhile investment, in the sense that the drilling of wells in the hinterland will now cost a maximum of one- thirds of the previous cost.

“It also helps us to map out the entire region, and we can do it in a structured and systemic way of having our needs assessment to see where wells are required, and send the rig in; have it done quickly, under two weeks to do the actual drilling, then move on to another community, while we do the pipe-laying exercise,” he was quoted as saying by GWI.

Minister Croal said he is very confident that the drilling done with the new rig will be successful, unlike what obtained in the past.

He attributed his optimism to the improvements the GWI has made in the areas of technical capacity and the acquisition of the necessary equipment to get the job done.

“We have a commitment that, right across our country, whether in the coastland or in the hinterland, we have a duty to ensure that we bring safe water delivery to your communities. And if you’re in clusters, to your homes,” he told Shulinab residents.

Prior to the drilling in Shulinab, the new rig was used to drill a new well in Culvert City, which is also located in Region Nine, so as to provide the more than 1,200 residents within that community and the surrounding areas within the township of Lethem with improved water service.

The GWI team will also be providing the communities of Shea and Annai, also in Region Nine, with new wells before the end of 2020, so as to improve the water supply system there.

After completion of the new wells in Region Nine, GWI is hoping to move the drilling equipment to Region One (Barima-Waini) so as to commence the proposed drilling of wells within the communities of Mabaruma, Wauna, White Water and Khans Hill, which project is scheduled to be undertaken in 2021.