The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Thursday last received 1200 care packages/hygiene kits to be distributed to Venezuelan migrants and locals of Region One (Barima-Waini) to assist in the fight against COVID-19.
This gesture comes on the heels of a collaborative effort among the Canadian High Commission of Guyana, UNICEF and GWI to improve sanitation conditions in Regions One and Seven, through the construction of Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines (VIP) and hand-wash sinks.
GWI, UNICEF and Canadian High Commission officials pose for a photo with the care packages that will be distributed
According to GWI consultant, Dr Darren Shako, to date, approximately 60 VIP toilets were constructed in Region One and residents there also benefitted from sanitation training and a set of hygiene kits previously.
He also noted that the project among the three entities was recently expanded to cater for the hygiene kits in light of COVID-19.
“We understood their needs and so we went beyond the scope of water services and decided to provide this”, Dr Shako said. It is their hope to meet other needs in the near future, he added.
GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles said when GWI was approached by UNICEF to execute the works, there was no hesitation, as the initiative coincided with the utility company’s efforts and President David Granger’s call for equity between the coastland and the hinterland.
He noted that GWI has just completed a squatter’s analysis to improve water access in those communities and is working on schools to ensure their water supply is in a state of readiness when school reopens.
The Managing Director posited that GWI looks forward to working towards improving the living conditions of both the migrants and the local hinterland population.
Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee dubbed it the perfect collaboration. She noted that while the Commission donated approximately $7.2 million, it relies on local agencies like GWI and implementing agencies like UNICEF for their expertise.
UNICEF’s Country Representative commended GWI for work done in Region One to improve water supply, noting that the well drilled in Kamwatta reached a record-breaking depth after numerous attempts. She said that other regions will also be benefitting from care packages.
The care packages include sanitary napkins for females, deodorant, soap, toilet tissue, sugar, rice and other necessities, as well as an infographic card in both English and Spanish for the population.
