Capoey residents can now access potable water as new water system commissioned

Some 550 Capoey, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) residents can now enjoy access to potable water through the Capoey Water Supply System, which was commissioned by Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues on Tuesday.
Prime Ministerial Representative Arnold Adams; Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal and the team were also present at the commissioning ceremony.
During her address, Rodrigues stated that the water supply system was in keeping with the Government’s commitment to transforming the lives of Guyanese through access to essential services.
“All of our citizens regardless of your race, your religion, your geographical location, you [must] have access to services and access to infrastructure that will improve your lives,” she said.
The government has drilled 75 wells in three years, taking potable water supply in the hinterland from 46 per cent to 86 per cent by the end of 2023.
Through the 2024 budget, another 40 wells will be drilled in Amerindian communities, as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government aims to achieve 100 per cent access in the hinterland by 2025.
Communities in Region Two set to benefit from enhanced water supply include Friendship, Mashabo, St Deny’s/Tapakuma Village, St Monica, Friendship, Dredge Creek, Baracaro, Bethany, and Wakapao.

Moreover, a new treatment plant is currently under construction at Onderneeming, which will serve residents from Supenaam to Taymouth Manor. Another plant is also expected to be developed at Maria’s Delight to serve residents stretching from Charity to Queenstown, to help push treated water coverage.
Capoey is divided into two sections, with one section already receiving potable water. The new Capoey Water Supply System was drilled using GWI’s newly-acquired 421T PAT Rig by its in-house drilling team to a depth of 42 metres. The 550 Capoey residents represent 96 per cent of the population now benefiting.
GWI Hinterland Director Jailal highlighted the employment opportunities the project generated for residents and emphasised the need for community responsibility in maintaining the facility.
GWI collaborated with the Capoey Village Council and residents towards activating the new well; supplying and installing 400 lengths of 50mm and 100 lengths of 19mm PVC pipelines from the well to the storage tanks and along the distribution network; installation of standpipes and solar panels; construction of the perimeter fence; installation of submersible pump and well discharge; and construction of reinforced concrete base to support four 1000-Gallon Tuff Tanks. Overall, the project cost $11 million and the new well is expected to serve the community for several decades.
GWI plans to train two Community Service Officers (CSOs) to assist in the upkeep of the new water supply system.