GWI commissions $102M South Pakaraimas water supply systems

– close to 2000 residents to access potable water

Residents of Karasabai, Curicock, Wichabai and Jawari villages in Region Nine are set to benefit from improved access to potable water following the commissioning of four new water supply systems on Friday. The projects, representing a combined investment of $102 million in hinterland development, have brought near-universal access to safe drinking water to 1,865 residents. The Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, led the simple commissioning ceremonies alongside village leaders and technical officials from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). He noted that Karasabai now has 98 per cent water coverage, while Jawari, Wichabai and Curicock have each achieved full coverage within their settled areas.
Within Karasabai itself, two new 150-milimetre (mm) PVC wells were drilled in Section two and the Airstrip View area at a cost of approximately $36 million. These facilities, powered by independent photovoltaic (PV) systems and protected by secure perimeter fencing, now serve 127 households. In the three satellite villages of Jawari, Wichabai and Curicock, similar wells were drilled and distribution lines installed.

The Minister told residents that the Karasabai water supply projects have delivered near-universal access to potable water, improved public health conditions and strengthened water security across the sub-district. The interventions by GWI through targeted drilling, system upgrades and expansion into satellite villages have significantly increased coverage in all communities, with near universal access achieved. Minister Indar underscored that the investments in the water sector were part of a $30.4 billion investment package delivered to the region during President Dr Irfaan Ali’s first term in office. Indar reminded that the value of this initiative also lies in the local labour used to bring it to fruition. “We are bringing the people in the community to be part of the execution of the development… they are paid, they learn a skill and they become skilful to move that skill to other areas,” he said. He added that the investments in these water systems are a testament to the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no village is left behind in its quest to bridge the gap in water access between the coast and the hinterland. The efforts aim to ensure that even the most remote indigenous communities have a reliable, year-round water supply. GWI’s Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailal and other technical staff from the water utility company, as well as Regional Vice Chairman, Daniel Aguilar and Toshao David Albert also participated in the commissioning ceremonies.