Wakenaam NDC Chair calls for water filtration plant

Sitting at the mouth of the Essequibo River is one of the largest of the approximately 375 islands along its stretch and while life on an island is expected to be dandy, this is not the case in Wakenaam.

Over the years, there has been a long list of issues plaguing the island, where basic necessities for residents’ livelihoods are compromised in various ways.
Speaking with Guyana Times, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Sheikh Ahmad shared that proper roadways, affordable cell service, and clean water could be considered luxuries on the island, since these continue to elude their grasp.
Ahmad explained that the current road network in numerous parts of the island is a concern for drivers with regard to vehicle maintenance. He went on to share that while there may be a few instances of clear cell service, the prices are often alarming. He also expressed concern about the landline service that was provided by GTT.
“There was a landline service by GTT, but that has suddenly failed for the last three years. Very few are working; out of about 80, we might have about three to four still working,” he revealed.
Another issue, which Ahmad described as the most disconcerting of them all, is the island’s inability to receive clear and clean water. The island’s water is said to come straight from a well to tap, and as such contain dirt and rust. This, he noted, has been troubling them for the past 10 years.
“The quality of water, it is so bad what we’ve been getting. We’re getting water yes, but it is the quality. We need an improved quality of water; we need a water treatment plant, at least two on the island,” Ahmad pleaded.
He further revealed that while electricity on the island is acceptable, the costs were still too high. He had no complaints, however, about Wakenaam’s drainage system which he explained was “very reliable”.