The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently carrying out works at Mahdia, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni), to improve access to potable water for residents there. Thirteen new service connections have, to date, been added to those already in
One of the transmission lines that were repaired in the area
the area.
A setback to the ongoing works is the constant rainfall, which, coupled with the lack of screens at the catchment area, has been responsible for GWI workers and contractors having to constantly revisit the catchment to clean it. The team will therefore be installing replacement screens, since the catchment has to be subjected to regular cleaning because of damaged screens.
The team also conducted works to expose the pipelines from Salbora to the Airstrip at every 2km. This was done to allow for the ultrasonic testing and pressure testing of that portion of the line, in order to calibrate the system so as to provide an improved design.
In addition, three 6-inch leaks were repaired on the Salbora transmission line, while close to 100 leaks were fixed within the Mahdia community over the period of a month.
Mahdia residents can now testify to having improved access to two sources of potable water — rainwater harvesting and the Salbora Creek — being supplied by GWI.
Many sections within Mahdia were without water due to the existence of several leaks on the pipelines and high demand on the water supply system. Constant disruptions and low level of service due to pipelines being broken during road works and by miners; besides clogged lines, unauthorized connections and the dry season, had contributed to the lack of water supply in the community.
The model being used to address the water situation is the formation of a Community Water Group representing Central Mahdia, Campbelltown, Seven Miles, Danjou Hill, and the Airstrip — all of which make up the entire community.
A management contractor has been retained to manage and maintain the water system at Mahdia, and GWI has said it will continue working to further improve the water supply system in Mahdia and other areas across Guyana.
