Residents of Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini) are soon to benefit from the activation of another well, as works are continuing to provide an alternative source of potable water for the community.
Just a few weeks ago, the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) discovered the presence of mercury in the main source of water – the Kaituma River.
As such, GWI Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and a team of technical officials visited the area on Wednesday to inspect the works that have already been completed.
At that time, engineers discovered water in a well at Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma, which had been out of operation for a number of years.
It was decided that the engineers would rehabilitate this well to supplement an
Engineers inspecting the well at Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma
existing one. This would entail a camera inspection, test pumping the well, and determining an appropriately-sized pump before it is connected to the distribution network.
Furthermore, plans are also ongoing for the installation of additional storage tanks at the well site and the rehabilitation of another tank in the community. This is expected to increase the storage capacity of the water network which serve the community. The tanks will be connected to a distribution network that will be connected to each household.
The duration of this project to increase water supply and storage capacity is approximately two months.
Water from the river tested positive for mercury after samples were taken and sent to the Kaizen Environmental Services Laboratory in Trinidad.
Samples were also taken from different sections where they are currently awaiting the results.
Presently, residents have been accessing water directly from the well in the interim, but owing to climate change and other environmental challenges, the company has moved to drilling more wells in these areas, so as to ensure equal access to potable water year-round.
