Aracuru gets access to potable water as $15M well to benefit 500 residents

Residents of Aracuru in the Mabaruma sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini) are now benefitting from first-time access to potable water following the commissioning of a new well by the Ministry of Housing and Water on Sunday.
This initiative brings water access to approximately 500 persons–75 households in Aracuru, as well as 20 additional households located across the Aracuru Bridge–ensuring that 100 per cent of the community now benefits.

The project, which was executed by staff of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in collaboration with the community was completed at a cost of $15 million.
During the commissioning ceremony Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal highlighted the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable access to water for all Guyanese. He underscored that water is a fundamental right and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to investing in initiatives that enhance community well-being and improve the overall standard of living.
The scope of works included the drilling of a 6-inch PVC water well; the installation of approximately 3.5 kilometres (km) of distribution network to ensure the efficient delivery of water to residents and the establishment of service connections. Additionally, a photovoltaic (PV) pumping system was constructed; and a 30ft by 25ft chain-link fence to secure the facility.

100% access to portable water in hinterland communities by the end of 2025
Meanwhile, last year during an engagement with Toshaos at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Minister Croal provided an update on the Government’s initiatives to enhance access to potable water in hinterland regions.
Minister Croal had announced that, over the past three years, 95 wells have been drilled, with an additional 64 wells expected to be completed by the end of this year. This brings the total number of wells drilled by the end of 2024 to 139.
Moreover, GWI is advancing rapidly towards its goal of providing 100 per cent access to potable water in the hinterland by 2025. Minister Croal highlighted that the Government has invested approximately 4.5 billion dollars in water infrastructure for these remote areas, covering first-time access, extensions, and expansions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce the disparity in access to essential services between hinterland and coastal communities.
Notably, the Ministry of Housing and Water received a budget allocation of $135.7 billion for 2025, approved by the National Assembly’s Committee of Supply to fund ongoing and new projects managed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and GWI.