Residents of Moraikobai, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), will soon benefit from an expanded water supply system, according to Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues during a visit to the Amerindian settlement on Sunday.
Minister Rodrigues handing over food supplies to the community on behalf of the PPP/C
The village of Moraikobai, which has a population of approximately 1200 persons, is being served by a single shallow well that was drilled some years ago.
During interactions with the residents, the Minister received complaints about the neglect of the water system. She was informed that not only is the water supply system insufficient for the population, but access is also limited.
Minister Rodrigues at the Moraikobai water supply system
Bridget France, a resident of the community, reportedly told the Minister that there are approximately 20 standpipes in the community, but many are non-functional. Apart from the shallow well, the village sources water from the rain and the Mahaicony River.
As part of a short-term solution to address these concerns, Minister Rodrigues committed to repair the existing standpipes and simultaneously expand the distribution network in keeping with the capacity of the well. This will ensure more persons have access to the water system and that it is closer to their homes.
She also assured Moraikobai’s Toshao, Colin Adrian, that GWI will return to flush the distribution network and repair leaks since complaints of a high iron content were also raised.
Further, in an effort to maintain the system regularly, the Minister said her Ministry and GWI would look at employing servicemen from the village who will be able to address any technical issues on a timely basis.
GWI is expected to present a full report on the village’s water system to the Minister following Sunday’s assessment, which would pave the way for the drilling of a new well in the new year.
The Housing and Water Minister highlighted that Moraikobai is a growing community ripe for investment and posited that the community would not be neglected by her Ministry or the current Administration.
This visit is the realisation of a promise made by the Minister, prior to being appointed to office, to return to the community and address their needs.
On behalf of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, Minister Rodrigues also handed over food hampers to villagers. These included 250 sacks of rice, 1200 pounds of peas, and 1200 pounds of channa.
