Region 9 residents benefit from WASH training

Residents of Nappi, Parishara and Hiawa in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are now equipped with the requisite knowledge of water supply, sanitation and hygiene in their communities following the recent hosting of a workshop at the Nappi Central Benab.

The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) workshop was hosted under the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership Programme and was a collaborative effort among the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Office of Climate Change (OCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was made possible through a grant from the People of Japan.
The objectives of the WASH workshop were to increase awareness of water supply, sanitation, hygiene and to educate the communities about the maintenance of climate resilient infrastructure, storage tanks, pipe networks, filters and rain water harvesting.
It forms part of a Guyana Pilot Project which is being rolled out in the aforementioned communities by the OCC in conjunction with the UNDP. The pilot project focuses on improving the resilience of the water supply infrastructure in the communities to extreme climate conditions, specifically droughts.
It was determined that the pilot warrants the active participation of GWI as a key player, especially with regard to climate change impacts on water resources, well conditions, specific capacity, water supply, demand balance and water quality monitoring.
Toshao Guy Fredericks expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort. GWI Alternative Energy Manager Cleon French detailed GWI’s work in Region Nine to improve access to potable water for all residents in the 57 communities where GWI has developed infrastructure.
GWI also engaged the services of Lucina Singh – Climate Change Officer— to provide guidance on formulating solutions for the communities affected by the prolonged dry weather conditions and on climate change adaptation from which residents share their experience with drought.
The team observed that the communities of Hiawa, Nappi and Parishara have wells which are producing adequate for the communities. GWI Executive Director of Design & Infrastructure, Aubrey Roberts said, “It is pivotal to monitor the water level in these wells and to have good water practices and storage”. He also gave a broad overview of how GWI delivers water to residents and the role communities can play to sustain the investments in the water supply systems.
Sanitation is also important and residents were told that if they practice good sanitation then they can preserve their health. The importance of effective hand washing was discussed by GWI’s Sanitation Manager, Rensford Joseph.
The company’s Head of Water Quality, Dr Deon Anderson tasked residents with keeping their water sources safe for consumption purposes. He also engaged residents on how bleach should be used and what to do if their water should become contaminated. Further, health workers were taught how to collect water samples for microbiological analysis.
GWI Region Nine Manager John Yow explained the operation of solar powered water systems and the importance of timely feedback from the community to sustain the water supply. He also outlined that maintenance will be provided from the GWI Lethem office, together with the efforts of the servicemen in the communities.
A total of 24 participants including teachers, health workers, servicemen and councillors are now armed with vital information and are prepared to work with GWI on solutions for dealing with the effects of the prolonged dry season, hygiene, water quality and harvesting rainwater.