— drilling of two wells in Region Seven to significantly increase water coverage

APPROXIMATELY $80M has been invested for the drilling of two wells in Region Seven, as the Ministry of Housing and Water aims to achieve 95 per cent hinterland water coverage.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who recently handed over the first contract in the community of Jawalla, said that development will bring first-time access to hundreds of households. “Delivery of safe water to communities is a priority for the PPP/C Government, to enhance the livelihood of Guyanese, irrespective of their geographical location,” the minister said. He added: “We want to assure you that we’re at work and there is currently 80 per cent coverage across the hinterland, despite geographical challenges.”
Meanwhile, in the community of Kamarang, the minister said that during needs assessments for Budget 2021, it was discovered that the area had no means for accessing potable water.

However, through this intervention, Kamarang will now have 90 per cent water access for residents and government buildings.
The contracts were handed over to the toshaos in the presence of Member of Parliament and geographical representative of Region Seven, Allister Charlie; GWI’s Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall; regional representatives and residents.

Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall, explained that the scope of works in Jawalla included the drilling of a $39.9 million well; installation of 2,000 meters of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes and 1000 meters of 19mm (3/4”) pipes with 80 service connections; construction of a 20-foot high elevated metal trestle for four 450-gallon storage tanks; installation of photovoltaic pumping system including submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories.
In Kamarang, a $42 million well will be drilled; installation of 2500 meters of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes and 500 meters of 19mm (3/4”) pipes, with 50 service connections, construction of a 20-foot high elevated metal trestle for four 450-gallon storage tanks; and installation of photovoltaic pumping system including submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories
Drilling has already begun in Kamarang, after which the rig will move to Jawalla by mid-September, and be completed in October.
A total of 3,000 residents are expected to benefit. Over the past year, some $350 million has been injected to develop the hinterland.
In 2022, the minister stated that a number of new wells will also be drilled to improve hinterland services. Minister Croal also used the platform to push the government’s agenda for herd immunity against COVID-19. Residents were also given an opportunity to raise a number of concerns in various sectors.