Over 100 households to benefit from $45M water system at Waramuri, Para
More than 100 households in Waramuri and Para, in the Moruca sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini) now have improved access to potable water as new water supply systems were commissioned in the areas on Saturday.
Before the new system, the residents of Waramuri relied on a small water system with a shallow well, which only serviced the health centre and a limited number of households.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal along with regional representatives and residents during the commissioning ceremony
To address the community’s needs, Guyana Water Inc made several attempts to drill a new well using a PAT rig. These efforts were unsuccessful. Subsequently, a contractor was engaged, but this attempt was also futile.
GWI then shifted its focus to completing wells in other areas such as Hurdiah, Kwebanna, and 5 Miles.
Following discussions with the Village Council and other key stakeholders, a decision was made to drill at Para. This attempt, conducted by the contractor, was successful on the first try and was followed by the installation of a pump and distribution system through community participation.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, during the commissioning exercise, expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion while adding that Moruca has made significant progress towards water accessibility.
Minister Croal samples water from the newly-commissioned system
He highlighted that six wells have already been installed in Moruca and an additional 12 would be installed before the end of 2024. Croal acknowledged that some residents in Para, who live far from the newly-commissioned system, were not yet connected and assured them that GWI would be working to correct the situation.
Further, he noted that a trestle is at the tendering stage to further support the water distribution efforts in the areas.
“Region One, by and large, has coverage of about 83 per cent. We’re hoping that by the time 2024 is complete, we should be somewhere close to 90 per cent coverage,” Croal stated.
Regional Vice Chairperson Annansha Peters enjoys water from the Waramuri and Para Water Supply System
Overall, the government is looking to drill at least 40 wells in hinterland and riverine communities to expand accessibility to potable water.
Regional Vice Chairperson Annansha Peters highlighted that the residents have welcomed the initiative, adding that previously, they had to travel long distances to fetch water. She also committed to ensuring that the community maintains the new system.
Waramuri Toshao Vivian Edwards commended the Government for this crucial intervention, noting that it would have a positive impact on residents’ lives. The total cost of the project, including previous drilling attempts, amounted to $45 million.
