RESIDENTS of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will soon have enhanced access to potable water and service, with the drilling of 14 wells and expansion of several water distribution systems.
Areas to benefit include Aishalton, Awarewarnau, Maruranau, Semonie, Quiko, Rupertee, Fairview, Hiowa, Quatata, Shiriri, Katoonarib, Sand Creek, Potarinau, and Kaicumbay.
Some communities will also benefit from the expansion of distribution networks and installation of photovoltaic systems.
These areas include: Aranaputa, Moco Moco, Sand Creek, Karasabai, Wowetta, Quiko, Massara, Baitoon, Potarinau, Crash Water, Katuur, Tiger Pond, Karaudarnau, Kumu, Kaicumbay, Cracrana, and Baishaidrum.
This is in keeping with the government’s 2021–2025 strategic plan, as part of its initiatives to increase access to clean water, and upgrade water supply infrastructure nationwide.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said the government’s intervention in the water sector for the entire region will further enhance water coverage.
“We have over $600 million by GWI that is being invested for the drilling of a number of wells, and expansion of distribution networks. By the end of this year, Region Nine will see somewhere around 95 per cent coverage of water to all the villages in the entire region,” Minister Croal disclosed.
He also urged residents to take advantage of the training programmes being offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to be upskilled, which will enable them to have sustainable incomes.
“We want to quickly move, so that the benefits, the services, and the better quality of life that you see elsewhere you could benefit. We want to ensure that we also create employment, so that many persons can make use of the opportunities in various areas,” the minister added.
This year, the government injected $17.7 billion into the economy for the expansion and management of the water sector, with $1.4 billion going towards upgrading and extending water supply systems in hinterland communities across Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine.
