EIGHT hundred residents of Moruca, Region One, now have access to potable water, following the commissioning of the Five Miles and Seven Miles Water Supply Systems and the upgrading of the water-supply system at Karaburi.

Some $30 million was used for the two new water systems and the upgrading of the Karaburi Water Supply System.
Notably, this is the first time that residents of Five and Seven Miles are receiving access to clear water, marking this as a crucial step towards improved living standards in the region.

According to the ministry, the systems were commissioned on Saturday afternoon by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, who was accompanied by the Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Vice-Chairperson, Annansha Peters; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Sewchand; Deputy REO Shem Cuffy; Hinterland Services Director at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailal and team.

Minister Croal in his remarks emphasised the significance of this achievement, highlighting it as a tangible fulfilment of the government’s promise to enhance water supply, a commitment made during the 2020 election campaign.
“You have a government that is working hard to ensure everyone has a better life and an equal level of service,” said the minister.

Minister Croal highlighted that potable water coverage in Region One stood at 38 per cent in 2020, rising to 79 per cent by the end of 2023 through heavy investments from the government. The coverage is projected to surpass 90 per cent by the end of 2024.

In 2024, a total of $1.5 billion has been budgeted for the drilling of at least 40 wells in the hinterland.
Minister Croal stated that around 25 of these wells will be drilled in Region One with an investment exceeding $700 million. Some of the areas to benefit include Santa Cruz, Warapoka, Kokerite, Barima Koriabo and Hotoquai.

Meanwhile, the Regional Vice-Chairperson, in her remarks, emphasised the significance of water conservation and responsible usage to the residents, urging them to utilise the newly established water systems with care to ensure their long-term sustainability.

An in-house team from GWI undertook the drilling of the new wells and the construction of the new water systems in collaboration with the Village Council.