– Onderneeming plant for February 2024 completion

THE government, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, is working to install 12 treatment plants to address water issues in coastal communities, according to subject Minister Collin Croal.

In an effort to hear from the residents, employees, and representatives who are directly benefitting from these projects, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with the work supervisor, Curtwim Reid of Nabi Construction Company, who explained that works on the water treatment plant has begun in the community of Onderneeming in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

Considering the size of the treatment plant, Reid explained that the residents of Onderneeming and the neighbouring communities will not have to worry about any water issues after the structure is completed by February.

“This plant consists of a contact tank, three filters, a chemical/treatment room, and a storage tank. The plant would be able to produce about 10 ml, which is equal to 1,000 ml of water per day, and the water would be passing through a filter system. In the chemical/treatment room, the water will be treated and purified before consumption.”

Reid further explained that with the massive investment, the water pressure will increase significantly and alleviate any challenges that the residents may have experienced before. “We are working on the civil aspect of the treatment plant, meaning the base, the chemical room, and the electrical room. Along with that, we will be building fences, drains, roads, and some other works.”

After the foundation is laid and their work is completed within the six-month time frame, Reid said that another construction firm will work on the project and see it through until its completion by February 2024.

He also disclosed that they have employed over 25 persons to work on the plant with them, and he is happy to relate that 90 percent of them are from the Onderneeming and neighbouring communities.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Kamo Bissoondai, a middle-aged resident from the neighbouring village of Onderneeming, said, “Me and my husband have lived in this village for several years. We are so happy to hear that we will get proper water after the government finish building the water plant. It is hard to keep our plates and cups clean; the red water is really damaging it up, so yes, we are very happy, and I know all the people in this village will agree with me too. Getting more water pressure will also be great; we wouldn’t have to use buckets to fill water any more. I want to thank President Ali and the government for giving all Guyanese a better life.”

Taren (only name given), a resident from Onderneeming also related that he and his family are very grateful for the water treatment plant in their community.

“Many days, because of the condition of the water, I have to wash my pots and clots at the trench. I prefer to use the black water rather than the red pipe water, and then when you get it, it doesn’t have the pressure. Thank God for Presi and his team. We are really happy for this,” Taren expressed.

Finally, one of the employees at the site, Ovid (only name given), explained that he is living in one of the neighbouring villages. “I work in construction, and when the company asked me to work for them, I was happy. We have six months’ work here, and we are working on holidays to make sure that it finishes on time. This will benefit me and my family a lot; I am thankful for the job and the government for creating these opportunities for myself and my fellow workers. Thanks!”