Over $5.5 billion invested in hinterland potable water development to date

With over $5.5 billion invested in hinterland potable water development to date, thousands of residents in Guyana’s hinterland and riverine communities now have access to a reliable potable water supply directly in their homes.
The investment has supported the drilling of more than 100 wells, which have significantly enhanced water access, and reduced dependence on creeks, springs, hand-dug wells, and rainwater harvesting.
Some $2 billion was spent drilling 56 new wells in 2024 alone, resulting in the first-time access to clean drinking water for approximately 2,800 residents in underserved areas.
A total of $2.2 billion has been allocated to expand water supply systems in 2025 to achieve full coverage.
Currently, access to potable water in the hinterland regions stands at over 88 percent, up from significantly lower figures just a few years ago.
A Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated that over the past four years, more than $1.5 billion has been invested to improve water access in Region One, resulting in new wells for several communities, including Oronoque, Santa Rosa, and Kumaka.
In 2025, 51 additional wells will be constructed in the region, with Mabaruma and Moruca among the primary beneficiaries. Several other communities are also expected to benefit from ongoing and future well projects.
Region Seven has seen over $1.2 billion invested in its water sector, improving access to clean water for 13,000 households.
A new $468 million water treatment plant at Five Miles is expected to be completed by next month. The water system will provide a 24-hour service to residents between Central Bartica and Three Miles.
In addition, several communities, including Kurutuku, Jawalla, Kako, and Isseneru, now have functioning water systems.
A $50 million well under construction at Phillipai will soon benefit 1,500 residents, while a $49.4 million upgrade has improved water access in Imbaimadai and Ominike.
Over $1 billion has been invested in Region Eight’s water infrastructure, leading to the drilling of over 15 new wells. By the end of 2021, more than 8,400 residents had access to potable water.
An additional $440 million was spent to further improve access in 2022 and 2023. Water systems were installed in several communities, including Kaibarupai, Monkey Mountain, and Kato.
In 2024, over 1,090 residents in Kamana, Itabac, Micobie, and Sand Hill benefited from water systems worth $161 million. Karisparu also saw upgrades with $60 million invested in distribution networks, a trestle, and a catchment system, along with plans for a new well.
The government continues to invest heavily in improving water access in Region Nine, with millions spent to enhance coverage across the region.
In 2024, water supply systems were advanced in villages such as Sawariwau, Sand Creek, Massara, and Quarrie, while several others, like Tiperu and Pai Pang, are benefitting from ongoing works.
New wells are being drilled in Taushida, Parabara, Moco Moco, and Crashwater. Fairview and Moco Moco have already received new wells.
Elevated storage systems were installed in communities such as Potarinau, Rewa, and Katoka, while new trestles were constructed in 16 villages. Some $62.2 million worth of systems are now operational in Rupertee, Kwatamang, and Massara.
Thanks to a $75 million investment, 95 percent of residents in Yurong Paru, Rukumuta, and Tiperu now have reliable access to water from newly drilled wells.
An additional $720 million will be spent this year to build more wells and extend distribution networks in 24 additional villages.
Community Service Officers (CSOs) are trained to maintain local water systems. At least one CSO from each village with a water system is selected for training to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective system maintenance, the report noted.