…$17M well at Skyland, $12M well in Koko Village provide access to safe water
Skyland and Koko village residents of the Moruca sub-region, Region One, have gained improved access to potable water with new wells commissioned by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, alongside Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Director of Hinterland Services Ramchand Jailall.
Residents test the water during the commissioning
The initiative forms part of the Government’s continued efforts to expand water coverage and improve the quality of life in hinterland and riverine communities.
Minister Croal, in his remarks at the Skyland commissioning, highlighted the Government’s commitment to achieving universal access to potable water, particularly in hinterland regions. He emphasised that the administration is working aggressively to ensure that by 2030, all Guyanese, regardless of their geographic location, will have access to safe and reliable water.
Skyland has a population of approximately 70 residents, of which about 95 per cent will now benefit directly from the new water system. The $17 million project was executed through a partnership between contractor Diamond Drilling and Supplies, which undertook the drilling works, and GWI, which installed the distribution network.
The scope of works included the drilling of a 6-inch PVC water well, installation of 1.5 kilometres (km) of distribution network, and construction of a photovoltaic pumping system to ensure sustainability. Additionally, a 25 ft x 25 ft chain-link fence to secure the facility and 15 standpipes were installed across the community.
This development is expected to significantly reduce the burden previously faced by residents, who relied on creeks and rainwater harvesting for their daily water needs.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal (middle) flanked by various community members at Koko village
Koko Village well
In addition, a new $12 million well was commissioned for residents of Koko Village, Moruca Sub-region, Region One, providing them with enhanced access to potable water.
An Amerindian community along the Moruca River, Koko is home to approximately 498 residents in 193 households. With the completion of this project, an estimated 470 residents and 185 households – roughly 98 per cent of the population – now enjoy reliable access to safe water.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal joined the community in celebrating this milestone achievement. He lauded the collaborative effort between Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the people of Koko, noting that the investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to bridging gaps in water access across hinterland communities.
Residents of Skyland during the commissioning of the new well
The works were executed by GWI staff in collaboration with the community. The project included the drilling of a 6-inch PVC water well, installation of nearly 3 kilometres of distribution network, construction of a photovoltaic pumping system, erection of a 25 ft. by 25 ft. chain-link fence, and the establishment of standpipes and service connections across the village.
Minister Croal was accompanied by GWI Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailall, Senior Councillor Rennita Williams, and other regional officials.
Importantly, the community’s old well, equipped with an 11 SQF pump, was interconnected with the new facility to ensure a more efficient and consistent water supply throughout Koko. Residents now benefit from both standpipe and direct service connections.
