By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

RESIDENTS of Betsy Ground, in East Canje Berbice, are set to experience significant improvements in their water supply, as plans are underway for the installation of a new network connection in the area.

This development is part of ongoing efforts to enhance access to clean and reliable water for communities across the region.

The new water network connection will strengthen the existing infrastructure, ensuring a more consistent flow of potable water to households and businesses. This upgrade is expected to reduce the frequency of water disruptions, and address long-standing issues related to low water pressure and limited access.

Improved water supply is a critical step in promoting public health, supporting economic activities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. The initiative demonstrates a continued commitment from the government to community development and sustainable living standards in East Canje, Berbice.

Shaik Baksh, CEO of the Guyana Water Inc, during a recent community outreach in the area, told the residents, “…Before I came here, I had a discussion with the regional manager and GWI personnel, and we have worked out a project to ensure that you can have treated water… What has to be done is that we have to link a transmission line straight through from Goed Bananen Land (which receives water from the Sheet Anchor Plant) coming down to these communities to bring the water.”

According to Baksh, the network in the area, which was done years ago, “is very old and deteriorated”, and as such, new pipelines will be laid with the creation of a new network. “We are hoping to start very shortly on laying these lines, and I am hoping that within a month we can complete the network and everything here, so that you can have individual house connections,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, who was also a part of the community outreach, stated that the water issue was raised with Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who gave clear instructions that the residents must be engaged.

He said that the funding will be made available to have the issue rectified within one month.

One resident, Omesh Sheriff, 34, a father of two, following the announcement, said, “We looking forward to this for so long, and now we getting it within a month. We really happy about that.”

Another resident, Juliet McPherson, said, “We weren’t getting no water really, and we na had streets. I used to have to ‘heis’ my children on my back. But I want to thank the President that he provide road for not me alone, but for everybody. And now, today, we happy. Because, look the rain is falling right now, and we can go in and come out like we feel like. And now we getting water. We really got to thank we President, Irfaan Ali.”