Kaibarupai to get 1st-time access to potable water in new week

Residents of Kaibarupai, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), will soon be able to enjoy first-time access to potable water through the new Kaibarupai Water Supply System.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal and a team visited the ongoing project on Sunday.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, tests the water system on Sunday

Close to 500 villagers reside in the area and practice rainwater harvesting to receive water.
“Clean water is a basic necessity. It doesn’t matter where you live, our Government will ensure you have a better life,” stated Minister Croal.
At least 70 per cent of the community, which lies on the right side of the creek, will have first-time access to water at the service connection level. The right side hosts the health post, primary and nursery schools and village office. However, the Minister has committed to expanding the system.

Minister Collin Croal meeting with residents of Kaibarupai

“We will have an assessment to see if this system can distribute the water on the other side and we will connect the pipes,” the Minister assured.
By May 1, 2022, the Kaibarupai Water Supply System will be fully operational.
The project is being executed by R Kissoon Contracting Services at a cost of some $34.6 million; and includes the installation of an intake pumping chamber, pump and discharge assembly in the creek, installation of a photovoltaic pumping system, solar panels and accessories. Some 3000 metres of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes and 1000 metres of 19mm (3/4”) pipes with 50 service connections have been installed. A reinforced concrete base is also being constructed to accommodate four 450-gallon storage tanks.
More than 90 per cent of works have been completed and the project is only awaiting the installation of the submersible pump.
Minister Croal also announced a number of upcoming projects to develop the community such as the training of Community Service Officers and the completion of the computer hub, as well as a bridge to connect the two sides of the village and provide a safer means of travel for students attending the school.