Cassava Factory, Water Purification Facility open at Mainstay/Whyaka

Mainstay/Wayaka, an Indigenous village in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on Saturday opened its Cassava Factory and Water Purification Facility.
The Cassava Factory is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, create jobs, and boost the local economy, while the Water Purification Facility will provide clean and safe water to households, improving health and well-being across the community.
The agro-processing project was funded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Water Purification Facility was funded by the Government of Guyana.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Member of Parliament, Yvonne Pearson stated that the cassava processing facility will process cassava bread, cassava flour, and casreep, supplying cassava flour to the bakery in the village that will open soon.

She elaborated that these projects will provide economic development opportunities, allowing local farmers to sell their produce while helping the community prosper.
Pearson also highlighted the extensive training programmes that helped young people gain the skills needed to manage and maintain the facilities.
Toshao Marsha Williams said that the processing facility adds to the tourism package, boosts tourism, and highlights women’s skills in cassava processing. She explained that the village is already known as a tourist destination, and this initiative integrates culture and tradition, attracting more visitors while preserving Amerindian heritage.

A group of women in the village were trained to produce cassava biscuits, bread, and quiches, showcasing their expertise and contributing to the community’s development.
Williams also emphasised that the venture is rooted in traditional practices, helping to preserve culture while promoting employment and encouraging farmers to increase production. She added that the facility will support government mandates to drive development, producing cassava bread, biscuits, quiches, and casreep.
UNDP representative, Gerardo Noto, noted “This initiative supports Mainstay/Wayaka’s sustainable development by combining agriculture, processing facilities, and community benefits.”
He congratulated the villagers and encouraged them to use the facilities to improve their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva remarked that the development taking place will create job opportunities, secure stable markets for farmers, and engage young people in meaningful work. She congratulated the residents and wished them success with the projects, emphasizing their potential to transform the village.
Also attending the opening were regional officials and residents of Mainstay/Wayaka.