Sanitation project benefits families across Regions 5, 6

Seventeen families in Berbice have had their outhouses upgraded to modern sanitary facilities.
The $17 million project stretched from Crabwood Creek at the easternmost part of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and included families throughout the coast, East Canje, and on the East Bank of Berbice. Beneficiaries of the project were also from Bath Settlement in Region Five (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The project was done by the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam in collaboration with the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
A toilet, bath, and a face sink were supplied for each home. Some were also fitted with storage facilities.
“The homes fitted with storage facilities was an ‘as needs basis’ and based on the water pressure in that specific area,” President of the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam, Kean Rein disclosed.
The Club over the years has been focusing on assisting in areas of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Immediate Past President of the Club, Rafeek Kasim said the government also supported the project through Guyana Water Inc.
“I remember that in one area in Region Five when we started, there was no water but yesterday on our final inspection we saw that there was a service connection to those homes. We are grateful for that because had it not been for water these projects would have been of no use,” he pointed out.
The church is a service body which contributes a lot of its resources towards the upliftment of communities.
Pastor Dian Sellers explained that when she and her husband arrived in Guyana fifteen months ago, the church was involved in the ‘dirt project’.
This project entailed the supplying of dirt to raise the level of the land to reduce flooding on properties that were considered as low.
“We thought that it did not seem like the right type of thing to do because that dirt will just wash away if there is nothing to guard it; that is how we put our minds together to come up with something better – so we came up with the sanitation project.”
One of the beneficiaries, Lalita Bridgelall of Canefield East Canje said the upgrade is of great benefit to her.
“We had a yard toilet and one day when I was not at home, Sister Natasha came and they told me that they are going to make a toilet for me. The new toilet and bathroom is okay,” the woman told this publication.
Another beneficiary Seepaul Ramlochan of the same village said he too had a toilet situated in his backyard and one day got a surprise visit.
“I see some people came to my home and they called me out of my house and they asked if I need a flush toilet and a bathroom. I tell them yes. Eventually, I see Mr. Kassim came and he located a spot and it was done. I am very thankful for the washroom and the toilet.”
The Rotary Club of New Amsterdam and the Church of Latter-Day Saints have been collaborating on projects since 2016. Some of the projects they successfully undertook include a clean water initiative which saw thirteen schools receiving water purification systems with the church providing the financing and the club executing. (G4)