$23.8M pumped into construction of Aishalton water distribution network

The Government has pumped $23.8 million into the construction of new water distribution system for the village of Aishalton, which is situated in the Deep South Rupununi of Region Nine.
Documents detailing the scope of works was recently provided to the contractor, D&R Construction, and the local Village Council (VC).
Aishalton’s water supply system currently comprises two drilled wells valued at $15 million, which serves as the primary water sources for the village.
However, despite this, residents receive sectional delivery daily to ensure equitable water distribution.

The new water distribution network is expected to mitigate this challenge by ensuring some 1000 residents benefit from potable water throughout the day.
According to the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, the investment is part of government’s commitment to improving water supply systems in remote areas like Aishalton.
“We’ve drilled in the past three years 45 wells, giving 15,000 residents in the hinterland access to first time water and by the end of this year when we would have drilled an additional 40 wells and would have completed the distribution network and photovoltaic system, we will achieve 93 per cent coverage,” Minister Rodrigues said.
This marks a significant improvement compared to the mere 45 per cent in 2020.
The prolonged dry spell across the country has severely depleted water supply in many regions, forcing authorities to seek alternative measures to ensure citizens have a sustainable supply of this important commodity.
To combat this, the Housing and Water Ministry recently commissioned the Karaudarnau Water Supply System, which will see more than 2,000 households — including schools, government offices, and health centres — getting access to potable water.

The villages that benefitted from the upgrades are Karaudarnau, Awarewaunau, and Rupunau.
The Karaudarnau Water Supply System underwent a significant upgrade in 2023. With two drilled wells, elevated storage facilities, and an expanded distribution network, the system’s coverage was boosted to reach 80% of the village. This overhaul included the installation of new distribution lines and elevated storage, enabling service connections for an additional 120 households, many of whom gained access for the first time. The total investment for the new water system amounted to $61.60 million.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration has provided access to potable and treated water services to more than 35,000 applicants.
As a result, nearly 100 percent of coastal residents now having access to clean water.
In 2024, new water systems are being completed in Hiawa, Quatata, Kwatamang, Taushida, Pai Pang, Katoonarib, Aishalton, Potarinau, Fair View, and Yakarinta for a total sum of $200 million.
Minister Rodrigues emphasised that this significant expansion as recorded, is part of the administration’s national agenda that advocates for the implementation of sustainable water management practices. (G1)