Allottees at Charity New Housing Scheme to access lands soon

– residents of Wakapao, Akawini to get 1st-time access to potable water

Persons who were allocated lands at Buxton/St Joseph, Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), will be able to identify their house lots and commence construction of their homes within the next three months,
This was according to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during a site visit at the scheme on Saturday. He was accompanied by Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oudit and a team from the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

The scheme yields approximately 500 house lots. Infrastructure works undertaken in the area include land clearing and construction of access roads, culverts and drainage networks.
Additional clearing will also be executed to facilitate the lot identification exercise.
Minister Croal, who is currently on a two-day outreach in the region, also inspected infrastructure works ongoing at the now regularised Charity Squatting Area and interacted with residents.
Last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced infrastructure development for the community to the tune of $200 million for the construction of 2.5 kilometres of concrete roads, a new bridge, and the installation of water and electricity services.
Meanwhile, the Minister also told residents of Wakapao and Akawini (Baracaro), that they will soon receive first-time access to potable water with the drilling of new wells in the villages.

Currently, the villagers mainly source water from nearby creeks and through rainwater harvesting. Minister Croal stated that the Government is investing to ensure that hinterland and riverine communities receive 100 per cent access to potable water by 2025.
The wells will be drilled through GWI with a new PAT Rig acquired by the water company. The rig is expected to arrive in March and drilling of two wells will begin at Wakapao in April, before moving to Baracaro for the drilling of another well.

GWI also aims to connect three nearby islands at Akawini to the system.
“That well will provide a better quality of life for our people. It will help you to reduce some of the hardships that you may be faced with in the dry season,” Croal told the residents.
Additionally, two Community Service Officers (CSOs) will be trained to assist GWI with the operation and maintenance of the systems upon completion.
With both villages also set to benefit from monies earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, the Minister also urged them to be innovative and embark on projects that will foster sustainable economic growth and job creation.
During the meeting, residents also took the opportunity to highlight issues affecting them in their communities. These issues will be addressed by the relevant subject Ministers and agencies.