Barima Black Water Village gets $1.8M presidential grant to boost local commerce

– Savannah Black Water to benefit from portable water by next month

Housing Minister Collin Croal on Monday handed over a $1.8 million Presidential Grant to the Barima Black Water Village Council during an outreach to the community in the Mabaruma sub-region, Region One (Barima-Waini).
The grant will be utilised for the construction of a boat, which will be used to transport produce to the Kumaka, boosting local commerce. Part of the funds will also be used for the procurement of four chainsaws.
During the visit, Minister Croal, accompanied by Regional Vice-Chairman Paul Pierre and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Sewchand, also handed over fertilisers to aid agricultural production and an outboard engine to enhance transportation via boat within the area.

Residents welcomed the initiatives and engaged the visiting team in discussions on various community needs.
Meanwhile, over at Savannah Black Water and Barasina, Croal engaged the residents in issues affecting their respective villages.
In the area of housing, the Minister related that 10 vulnerable households in Savannah Black Water are now benefiting from the Government’s Hinterland Housing Programme, with several homes already completed between 2024 and 2025.
Addressing a query on housing support at Barasina, he told villagers that a new building materials support programme is being developed to assist vulnerable households in upgrading their homes. This initiative is expected to be rolled out next year.
“All of our people are equally important to us,” Minister Croal said, emphasising the Government’s inclusive approach to national development.
On the issue of water access, he stated that a newly drilled well at Savannah Black Water will soon bring an end to residents’ reliance on ponds for water.
The community is expected to begin receiving water within a month, following the completion of the distribution network – equipment for which is already in Mabaruma.
Meanwhile, at Barasina, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be investing in small desalination plants to provide residents with access to potable water.
Croal also underscored ongoing efforts to advance education, healthcare, and other key sectors in the region. Recommendations made by residents during the engagement were documented for follow-up action by the relevant agencies.
At the conclusion of the formal meetings, the officials distributed several water storage tanks to enhance water access in both communities and handed over agricultural materials to support farmers.