Some 800 residents of Moruca are now enjoying access to potable water following the commissioning of the Five Miles and Seven Miles Water Supply Systems and the upgrading of the Karaburi Water Supply System in Region One. Notably, this is the first time that residents of Five and Seven Miles are receiving water access, marking a crucial step towards improved living standards in the region.
The systems were commissioned on Saturday afternoon by the Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal. The Minister was accompanied by the Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley; Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Annansha Peters; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Sewchand; Deputy REO, Mr. Shem Cuffy; Hinterland Services Director at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Ramchand Jailal and team.
Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal; Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley; other officials and residents gather at the ribbon cutting for the well at Seven Miles.
GWI’s in-house team undertook the drilling of the new wells and the construction of the new water systems in collaboration with the Village Council. A total of $30 million was expended for the two new systems and the upgrade and expansion of the Karaburi Water Supply System.
Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal
Minister Croal emphasized the significance of this achievement, highlighting it as a tangible fulfilment of the government’s promise to enhance water supply, a commitment made during the 2020 election campaign.
“You have a government that is working hard to ensure everyone has a better life and an equal level of service,” said the Minister.
Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal (center), enjoys water from the new system at Seven Miles.
He further stated that potable water coverage in Region One stood at 38% in 2020, rising to 79% by the end of 2023 through heavy investments from the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led Government. The coverage is projected to surpass 90% by the end of 2024.
A youngster from Five Miles fills his containers with water from the new system at the village.A young child washes her hands using water from the newly installed system.
In 2024, a total of $1.5 billion is budgeted for drilling at least 40 wells in the hinterland. Minister Croal stated that some 25 of these wells will be drilled in Region One with an investment exceeding $700 million. Some of the areas to benefit include Santa Cruz, Warapoka, Kokerite, Barima Koriabo and Hotoquai.
The Regional Vice-Chairperson, in her remarks, emphasized the significance of water conservation and responsible usage to the residents, urging them to utilize the newly established water systems with care to ensure their long-term sustainability.
