–26 households to get first-time access

RESIDENTS in the farming community of Big Baiboo, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are now able to access water for the first time, following the commissioning of a $9.7 million water system.

The system was commissioned by Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, on Friday afternoon, in the presence of Regional Chairman of Region Five, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal, technical officials from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and residents.

This signals the fulfilling of yet another promise by the minister for the provision of potable water in several communities. In September 2020, the minister visited the area, which has been inhabited by informal settlers for more than three decades. At the time, the residents called on the minister for access to potable water and the development of a new housing area.

Earlier this year, Cabinet approved the regularisation of Big Baiboo, paving the way for GWI to begin the water expansion project.

“It’s a vast area, so it took a lot of investment, and, finally, we can say that we made that commitment as well, and we can have residents living in dignity and have access to the services and the utilities that all Guyanese deserve to have access to,” the minister stated.

Minister Rodrigues also commended regional representatives for their efforts in bringing issues faced by residents in communities across the region to the forefront. She stated that such has played a crucial role in the Government’s mandate to address issues and improve the lives of citizens.

The project, which was executed under the supervision of the GWI, included the installation of 1.9 kilometers of 4 inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and is expected to see some 26 households benefitting.

While in the area, the minister also led a hamper distribution exercise at Little Biaboo. The hampers were being distributed as part of government’s response to farmers affected by recent floods. Some 190 livestock and cash crop farmers, who have been affected will benefit at the conclusion of the distribution process. The list of farmers is drawn from the communities of Little Biaboo, Big Biaboo and Hansom Tree.

This also followed a house lot distribution exercise at Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Fort Wellington, on Friday, in keeping with another promise made by the Minister two weeks ago. The exercise saw thirty seven low-income families, including fifteen informal settlers, receiving house lots. (Ministry of Housing and Water press release)