1st-time access to potable water for over 250 Itabac residents
…with newly commissioned $47M water supply system
For the first time, residents of Itabac in the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will be able to turn on taps and have potable running water to their homes.
This is a result of a direct investment of $47 million, which went toward the construction of a new water supply system for the community.
The new facility was commissioned on Monday by Housing Minister, Collin Croal, who was on a two-day outreach to the region.
With the well up and fully functioning approximately 254 residents will now enjoy a better quality of life. In the past, the community relied solely on rainwater and rivers, some distance away.
A little child drinks from one of the taps in the community
The new system which includes a well with a depth of 150 meters, is equipped with storage tanks and is powered by a Photovoltaic pumping system.
The works on the facility were executed by R Kissoon Contracting Services.
Meanwhile, residents of the community were briefed on the Government’s 2024 development agenda, specifically plans for the development of the hinterland region. The plans were highlighted by the Minister during a brief community meeting.
The residents were also allowed to raise issues affecting the community. A commitment was made by the Minister to have the issues addressed with the respective program Heads for which they fall.
This is the third water system to be commissioned in two days in Region Eight. Some 232 residents of Kamana are also benefitting from the installation of a $48 million water supply system. Another water supply system at Sandhill was also commissioned in the same region, constructed to the tune of $36 million.
Upon entering office, the PPP Administration committed to ensuring 100 per cent access to clean and potable water by 2025. This is five years earlier than what is set out by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister Croal joins officials and members of the community to commission the water system
Overall, 97 per cent of Guyana’s population has access to clean potable water. However, for the hinterland and riverine communities, the target was set to improve coverage to 83 per cent by the end of last year. The government inherited the sector where there was only 46 per cent coverage for the hinterland.
Under the 2023 work programme, water supply systems in Aranaputa, Moco Moco, Sand Creek, Karasabai, Wowetta, Quiko, Massara, Baitoon, Crashwater, Kattur, Tiger Pond, Kumu and Bashaidrun were to be extended.
Also, the drilling of deep wells and extension of distribution networks was earmarked for Kaicumbay Village, Aishalton, Awarewarnau, Maruranau, Potarinau, Hiowa, Parishara, Semonie, Quatata, Shiriri, Katoonarib, Fairview and Rupertee.
In total, it was estimated that 40 new wells would be created last year.
A total of $16.8 billion was spent last year on water and sanitisation, and $22.5 billion is budgeted for further advancements in 2024.
