Bethany community receives $35M water supply system
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal addressing the community at the commissioning of the water supply system at Bethany
A new $35 million water supply system was launched Friday by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal at Bethany in Region Two.
Approximately 500 residents of the community now have access to reliable drinking water, after community representatives called for a new well to provide water to homes during this year’s National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, residents relied on rainwater harvesting for their daily needs, as Government provided 180 450-gallon water tanks to the community in February to alleviate the situation.
With the new system, 85 per cent of the community has a consistent supply of potable water.
A resident of Bethany samples water from the water supply system (DPI photo)
The project included the drilling of a 6-inch PVC well, installation of almost two kilometres (km) of distribution network, construction of a photovoltaic (PV) pumping system, and the erection of a 25 ft by 25 ft chain-link fence.
Fabra Enterprise built the well, while the PV pumping system, fence, and distribution network were completed through a collaborative effort between Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Village Council.
St John’s, Jacklow, Abraham’s Creek, and St Denny’s are among the communities to benefit from the drilling of new wells.
Wells have been completed at Akawini, Wakapoa, Hackney, Friendship, Marlborough, Dredge Creek, St Monica, and Karawab.
The water systems at Capoey and Mashabo will be expanded to improve water service and access. At the launch, Minister Croal reaffirmed the Government’s efforts in bolstering access to clean, safe and reliable water in the hinterland regions and riverine communities. Almost $100 million has been invested to construct water systems for riverine communities across Region Two.
