Residents of Quebenang will benefit from the new water system
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has announced that the community of Quebenang – a satellite village of Jawalla, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – will soon benefit from a new water distribution system to the tune of $56.3 million.
Quebenang currently relies on a spring source and a small PV and distribution pipe network to provide water to a section of the community. However, this system is inadequate to meet the demands of the entire area.
The project is set to commence shortly and will be carried out by R Kissoon Contracting Services. This new system stems from a commitment previously made by Minister Croal during his visit to the area.
Additionally, Minister Croal revealed that the community has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Hinterland Housing Programme, which will provide homes for 10 vulnerable families. This programme is set to inject approximately $40 million into the community. It is expected to begin by the end of the year. Minister Croal encouraged the Village Council to ensure transparency during the selection process.
The Ministry is working aggressively to ensure that there is 100 per cent access to water in the hinterland by 2025. There are many hinterland communities that do not have access to a water source and they rely on rainwater harvesting, creeks, or streams.
Overall, close to 100 per cent of Guyana’s population has access to clean potable water on the coastland. However, for the hinterland and riverine communities, there is 75 per cent coverage and by the end of 2023, with investments being made the coverage will increase to 83 per cent. This is up from 45 per cent before Government took office.
Meanwhile, GWI is looking to establish 40 new wells and 30 water supply systems in hinterland regions this year, as part of the Government’s agenda to ensure every household is provided with potable water.
Once completed, these facilities would serve approximately 12,000 residents. Some 7000 residents are already receiving first-time access to potable water in their homes
Some 13 new water treatment plants will be constructed throughout this year, to the tune of some $32 billion. A loan was approved by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the construction of five water treatment plants across Guyana, which will see tenders going out soon for the construction of the project.
Two plants at Maria’s Delight and Onderneeming are expected to provide 100 per cent water coverage for the Essequibo Coast. New plants in Leguan in Region Two, Parika; Parfaite Harmonie and Wales in Region Three; Caledonia to Timehri, Cummings Lodge, Bachelor’s Adventure and Hope in Region Four; Bath in Region Five; and Adventure, and Tain to Number 50 Village in Region Six will help to improve water access in other areas of the country.
The Ministry is exploring the option of implementing inline water filter technology, which will give citizens access to drinking water through their taps.
This was revealed by the Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues last month. An inline water filter is a type of standalone water filter that is typically installed on a water line, with the water passing through the filter prior to the tap or appliance.
This type of technology is cheaper, and once implemented it will be a long-term intervention.
