Projects aimed at improving water quality in Region 1 completed
A number of projects aimed at improving water quality in Region One (Barima-Waini) have been completed, while further upgrades have commenced as the Housing and Water Ministry continues on its mission to bridge the gap between hinterland and coastal communities.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal on Sunday visited two Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pump stations that are located in Region One (Barima-Waini). During his visit, he expressed satisfaction with the works that have been undertaken.
“I am happy to say that part of the work involves the widening of the area for the trapment area for the water from where it is pumped. For Wanaina and the Mabaruma central, that aspect of the work is complete, and that is the reservoir for the water to allow the pumping to take place, and to have a better quality of the water when being pumped,” the Minister explained.
He noted, too, that two electrical pumps will be installed.
“It is expected somewhere around the second week of April…to have them connected to the electrical system, the generating system for here in Mabaruma.”
He explained that the pump installations will increase pumping hours from nine to 16 per day, and will reduce fuel expenses.
“This is one of the works that were done as part of the expansion, and the overhead tank serves as a reservoir to ensure that you have constant supply of water in the regional vicinity, the hospital, the various offices, state as well as regional offices…more importantly, for the hospital,” he said.
Prior to the installation of the pump in Mabaruma, the community was accessing water from rotting tanks, which hampered water distribution and sanitation. They were all replaced with new plastic tanks.
“Overall, what we expect from Wanaina is, in the long term, that Wongna will further benefit. In this 2021 budget, they are among the many wells, but as priority will be the drilling of a well at Canhill as well as at Wongna”.
Croal added that works in Wanaina will be done in the latter half of this year. He said this initiative is mostly for the residents in the Wongna community, because the Ministry has received numerous complaints from Wongna residents about the system.
He has assured residents of the Wongna community that they would receive the water service by the end of this year.