40 new wells to be constructed in hinterland regions this year
– as Govt moves to increase access to potable water
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and team inspecting the drilling of Khan’s Hill well, Region One
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is looking to establish 40 new wells and 30 water supply systems in hinterland regions this year, as part of the Government’s agenda to ensure every household is provided with potable water.
Once completed, these facilities would serve approximately 12,000 residents. Some 7,000 residents are already receiving first-time access to potable water in their homes.
The Government achieved 75 per cent coverage of potable water in Amerindian and riverine communities at the end of 2022. With the commissioning of 20 water purification systems at Aranaputa, Rupertee, Wowetta, Rupununi, Jawalla, Shulinab and Annai, among other villages, residents of the hinterland also gained access to potable water in their communities for the first time.
The administration is working assiduously to achieve its target of 89 per cent coverage in the hinterland regions this year.
Minister Croal testing the water at the new well in Culvert City, Region Nine
It continues to make numerous interventions across the country as part of its five-year strategic plan aimed at providing 100 per cent access to potable water across those regions.
Government is investing in the development of 13 new treatment facilities countrywide that would ensure citizens have access to purified water, while upgrades are also being made to the current water treatment facilities.
This is in keeping with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Six, which speaks to providing access to water and sanitation for all.
Some $17.7 billion was injected this year for water expansion and management, with $1.4 billion being allocated to increase access to clean and safe water in hinterland communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, and Nine.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has reminded that several communities in hinterland regions have accessed potable water for the first time within the past two years.
“We will continue until every household has access to a reliable supply of clean water. But we must commit to protecting our water sources and infrastructure. Our failure to do so will lead to devastating consequences,” Minister Croal stressed during a recent message in observance of World Water Day 2023.
