Quarrie Village in Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), has now been added to the list of hinterland communities with access to clean, potable water.
This was made possible during a three-day outreach to the region. Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues commissioned the hand-dug well.
After two failed attempts at drilling two wells at different locations in the village, the hand-dug well proved to be the best option. It was outfitted with solar panels; overhead storage tanks and pumping system was constructed by R Kissoon Contracting Services.
Minister Susan Rodrigues takes a drink from the new well at Quarrie Village
Hinterland Services Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailall explained that while there are concerns with hand-dug wells, all these were considered during the construction phase.
“After testing the hand-dug well, we saw the capacity was larger and more importantly we ensured it’s resistant to flooding and climate resilient,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, Minister Rodrigues lauded the engineering skills of the contractors as well as GWI staff, after they successfully delivered the project. Citing the challenges faced, she said finding a solution to fix the water woes in the community was a matter of urgency.
“That is what we as a Government is about, we make commitments and find solutions and more importantly we deliver on the promises we make,” Rodrigues positioned.
This investment, the Minister added, is a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali during one of his outreaches to the region. Residents were encouraged to play their part in ensuring that the facility is cared for and maintained.
Given the layout of the community, some 26 households will not be served by the well, immediately. To remedy this situation, it was announced that these families will be furnished with water tanks to facilitate rainwater harvesting.
“Regardless of the difficulties we will find, we have to find solutions. That is what we were elected to do and this is why we are seeing this much investment in your communities,” the Minister promised.
Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock said the region welcomes this development and noted that the regional administration is pleased to be executing strategic programmes that support the Government’s policies. He added that the region stands committed to working with the Central Government for the further development of the region.
During the outreach, the commissioning of a $35 million Water Supply System at Sawariwau, South Rupununi, also saw more than 600 persons benefitting from access to potable water. (G12)
