Over 400 Annai residents get 1st time access to water

– as $26M Water Supply System commissioned

More than 400 residents of Annai village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) now have access to potable water, following the commissioning of a $26 million water supply system on Thursday.
The system was commissioned by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who was joined by Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Hinterland Service Director Ramchand Jailal, Annai Toshao Mike Williams and regional councillors.

Minister Croal, in his address, noted that the commissioning of the well was a testament to how the Government of Guyana operated as it related to honouring its commitment to the development of all Guyanese.
“Development must reach you wherever you are in the 83,000 square miles, we came and we heard your complaints and we are back here to commission your new systems, which is a testament to how we operate as a Government,” he said.
He added that this new system and the upgrade of the other have now brought potable water coverage in the community to 98 per cent.
The Minister also stated that the Government, through the Water and Housing Ministry, will continue to work with all communities to ensure that they enjoy and tap into the abundant resources of the country.

“We will continue to bridge the gap between the hinterland and coastland in every sector and we will ensure that we strive to meet the SDG [Sustainable Development Goal], which speaks to water and sanitation for all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the project was welcomed by the Toshao and Regional Chairman who shared the sentiment that this was long overdue.
Under this project, two new wells were dug within the community, 1250 metres of two-inch distribution network piping were installed, along with 1400 metres of four-inch distribution network piping and 500 metres of 19mm service mains installed. Additionally, the two wells were interconnected, a perimeter fence was constructed, and photovoltaic systems were installed.
The project was funded by the Government of Guyana to the tune of $26,098,040, over a six-month period.
Annai is home to approximately 721 residents. The community was previously served by a shallow hand-dug well. Water was being pumped to an elevated metal trestle and distributed to the nearby residents through a two-inch PVC distribution network. The water from the hand-dug well would get depleted owing to the seasonal changes and the storage tanks were leaking.
Approximately 45 per cent of the community received water. In the dry season, this percentage reduced drastically, leaving residents to walk long distances to access water from the nearby creek.