SEVERAL households in Massara Village, Section Three, Region Nine, are now experiencing the transformative impact of first-time access to potable water, thanks to a $21.6 million water supply system commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Water through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, brought together residents and officials, including Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, GWI Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal, and Regional Vice-Chairman Bertie Xavier.

Minister Croal highlighted the government’s dedication to equitable development, particularly in hinterland and rural communities. “Access to potable water is not just a matter of convenience; it’s about healthier lives and unlocking opportunities for growth,” he said. The minister also emphasised the significant strides being made across Region Nine in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other sectors.

Permanent Secretary Kuppen praised the collaborative efforts between GWI and the village council, noting that community-driven initiatives are pivotal in improving residents’ quality of life. Meanwhile, GWI Hinterland Services Director Jailal detailed the efficiency of the new system, which has boosted the village’s overall water coverage to 95 per cent.

Regional Vice-Chairman Xavier also commended the project, emphasising its positive impact on the well-being of the residents.
Massara Village, with a population of approximately 543 residents, is divided into three sections. Sections One and Two already have water systems supported by drilled wells and elevated trestles, ensuring reliable distribution to key facilities, including schools, health centres, and government offices.
The recent project prioritised Section Three, which previously lacked water access. This system, completed in October 2024 through a collaboration between GWI and the village council, now provides 14 households with potable water for the first time.

With the village’s water coverage now at 95 per cent, the project represents a significant step forward. However, Minister Croal acknowledged the challenge of reaching scattered, remote households, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to address these gaps.
The new water system not only brings immediate benefits to the residents of Section Three but also serves as a testament to the government’s broader commitment to improving living standards and fostering development in hinterland regions.