— 26 households to get 1st-time access to potable water
Residents in the farming community of Big Biaboo, Mahaica River, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), are now able to access water for the first time following the commissioning of a $9.7 million water system.
The system was commissioned by Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues on Friday in the presence of Regional Chairman of Region Five Vickchand Ramphal, technical officials from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and residents.
Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues turns on the tap to the water system on Friday
This signals the fulfilling of yet another promise by the Minister for the provision of potable water in several communities. In September 2020, the Minister visited the area, which has been inhabited by informal settlers for more than three decades. At the time the residents called on the Minister for access to potable water and the development of a new housing area.
Earlier this year, Cabinet approved the regularisation of Big Biaboo, paving the way for GWI to begin the water expansion project.
“It’s a vast area, so it took a lot of investment and finally we can say that we made that commitment as well and we can have residents living in dignity and have access to the services and the utilities that all Guyanese deserve to have access to,” the Minister stated.
Minister Rodrigues hands over one of the hampers to a resident in the area
Minister Rodrigues also commended regional representatives for their efforts in bringing issues faced by residents in communities across the region to the forefront. She stated that this has played a crucial role in the Government’s mandate to address issues and improve the lives of citizens.
The project, which was executed under the supervision of the GWI, includes the installation of 1.9 kilometres of 4-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and is expected to see some 26 households benefitting.
While in Little Biaboo, the Minister also led a hamper distribution exercise. The hampers are being distributed as part of Government’s response to farmers affected by recent floods. Some 190 livestock and cash crop farmers who have been affected will benefit at the conclusion of the distribution process. The list of farmers was drawn from the communities of Little Biaboo, Big Biaboo and Hansom Tree.
This also followed a house lot distribution exercise at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Fort Wellington on Friday in keeping with another promise made by the Minister two weeks ago. The exercise saw thirty-seven low-income families, including fifteen informal settlers, receiving house lots.
