New wells to enhance water access in Moruca for 2022

In the first half of 2022, access to potable water in the Moruca sub-region of Region One (Barima-Waini) is set to significantly improve, through the drilling of new wells to serve four villages.
This was announced by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during a meeting on Friday at Manawarin, Region One. The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Regional Executive Officer Shem Cuffy.
The areas slated to benefit are Manawarin, Waramuri, Huradiah and Kweban. This project is under the supervision of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
Croal stated that these new water systems were planned under the 2021 budget and materials for the well drilling, distribution network and service connections have already been procured to the tune of $40 million.
However, GWI is currently awaiting the arrival of a PAT rig, which has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The rig is expected to arrive in the new year, after which drilling will commence.
In the area of water, the Minister stated that Community Support Officers (CSOs) are being trained in the maintenance of water systems and prevention of leakages. This is intended to help build skillsets in the communities and promote more sustainable villages.
For 2022, GWI has also proposed the drilling of new wells in several other communities including Santa Rosa, Karaburi, Kamwatta and Santa Cruz.
Several communities and other sub-districts within the region have been benefitting from improved water supply in recent months. Residents in White Water, Region One, can also expect improved access to potable water in the new year.
A number of new wells will be drilled within the Mabaruma sub-region in 2022. After the drilling of these wells, systems including those in Wauna, White Water and Kamwatta will be interconnected.
Under the 2020 Emergency Budget, $130 million was invested in hinterland water service expansion and management. Under the hinterland water supply programme, residents of Mabaruma, Barbina and Wanina have since been benefitting from improved hours of service after the upgrading and expansion of the water supply system with the installation of electrical pumps, and servicing of the elevated storage tanks.
This activity, for the first time, provided potable water to the residents of Barimanobo. Additionally, new wells were drilled and water mains and service connections installed, benefitting over 5000 residents of One Mile, Mora, Rincon, Kumaka, Santa Rosa, Shea, Annai, Lethem, Shulinab and Chiung Mouth.
In the 2021 budget, an allocation of approximately $4 billion was set aside to procure equipment and improve and expand the water supply network systems across the country. Provision for the drilling of new wells along with the upgrading of photovoltaic systems, storage facilities, distribution networks and service connections across Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).