NEW home owners at De Willem Housing Scheme, Region Three, can comfortably access water on their premises, while prospective occupants can consider building their homes, now that a water distribution system is in place.

The realisation of this new water network comes following an intervention by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, who visited the area on Tuesday, February 16, upon the invitation of residents.

Prior to her visit, Minister Rodrigues received complaints from members of the community regarding the lack of infrastructure to make it liveable. During her meeting with them, the minister explained that the water system that was recently installed was just a temporary solution.

She noted that her ministry was on a quest to ensure new housing schemes are developed with the basic amenities such as water and given that the scheme had been in existence for over five years, such services should have already been in place.

As part of plans to provide immediate relief, Minister Rodrigues informed residents that the provision of water supply to the community, which consists of more than 300 lots, was realised through the connection of a six-inch transmission pipeline to the De Willem water distribution network, which is supplied by the Uitvlugt Water Treatment Plant. This is a short-term mechanism that would see residents receiving water at the stand pipe level on their premises.

The ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), would then undertake a permanent solution, which entails a direct connection to the Uitvlugt Water Treatment Plant, using an eight-inch transmission line. This would allow a significant improvement in the level of service to each household.

In order to benefit from the water supply, residents are required to apply for their individual service connections and installation will occur.

The minister also vowed, through CH&PA, to ensure there is electricity supply in the area.

Residents expressed thanks to the minister, noting that it was a great relief, particularly for those who had already moved into their new homes.