Govt pumps $86M into improving access to potable water for 2 Region 9 villages

The prolonged dry spell across the country has severely depleted water supply in many regions, forcing authorities to seek alternative measures to ensure citizens have a sustainable supply of this important commodity.
Minister Susan Rodrigues, who is currently on a two-day outreach to the Deep South Rupununi in Region Nine, has commissioned the Karaudarnau Water Supply System, which will see more than 2,000 households — including schools, government offices, and health centres — getting access to potable water.
The villages that benefitted from the upgrades are Karaudarnau, Awarewaunau, and Rupunau.

The Karaudarnau Water Supply System underwent a significant upgrade in 2023. With two drilled wells, elevated storage facilities, and an expanded distribution network, the system’s coverage was boosted to reach 80% of the village. This overhaul included the installation of new distribution lines and elevated storage, enabling service connections for an additional 120 households, many of whom gained access for the first time. The total investment for the new water system amounted to $61.60 million.
The minister and team also held a brief interactive session with residents of the community, as she engaged them on other sector matters that are affecting them. The residents were also told of other Government interventions that would continue to improve their quality of life.

In addition, the village Awarewaunau would benefit from a water well that was constructed to the tune of $25 million. The newly commissioned water supply system is expected to serve 95 per cent of that community. The facility will provide water to approximately 400 households, and will serve public buildings, including schools, government offices, and health facilities.
GWI Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal, during commissioning of this water facility on Friday, said that, in 2023, GWI expanded the system to cover 95 per cent of the community, with the remaining 10 per cent scattered across the outskirts. However, this new well was drilled by D&R Construction for $15 million, and the distribution network was done by GWI’s in-house team at a cost of $10 million, thus the entire facility costs $25 million.
Minister Rodrigues, in her remarks to the residents, urged them to work together to ensure that they get the best use of the facility. Speaking about training opportunities under the CSO programme, which deals with the maintenance of wells, the minister called on residents to take advantage of this.
Mention was also made of other Government interventions in hinterland communities over the past four years, all geared at enhancing the lives of citizens. The minister explained that while interventions and investments are being made in villages, the ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable living.
“We have been focusing heavily on strengthening village economies. As you know, the Hinterland Housing Programme is one in which all the materials for the construction of 100 homes are sourced from villages within this region,” she explained.
Residents of these villages were also allowed to raise issues affecting them. The minister and visiting team also donated sports equipment to the village.