The remote village of Rukumuta in the South Pakaraimas, Region Nine, has seen a significant improvement in water access following the recent commissioning of a new water supply system.

Minister of Housing and Water, the Hon. Collin Croal; Regional Vice-Chairman Mr. Bertie Xavier, Hinterland Services Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Ramchand Jailal; and other officials joined residents for the activity.

Rukumuta, which is located approximately 28 miles from central Karasabai is home to 329 residents. Before the intervention, only about 50% of residents had access to potable water through a drilled well and elevated storage and springs.

The newly implemented project, executed by Q&A Construction, included the installation of a distribution network, construction of an elevated storage facility, and service connections throughout the community. As a result, 95% of the community now has reliable access to safe water.

The project was completed at a cost of $30 million under the GWI’s hinterland water improvement programme.

Speaking at the event, Minister Croal said, “we are making good on our promise to deliver improved water access to every corner of Guyana”.

The project is part of a wider effort by the Ministry of Housing and Water to enhance water access in hinterland communities across the country.

The Minister emphasized that the government is close to reaching its goal of 100% water access in the hinterland by 2025 and noted that $2.1 billion has been budgeted to invest in major projects this year.

Photos: Sydel Thomas, Central Housing and Planning Authority PR Department.

Written by: Akeasha Boodie, Central Housing and Planning Authority PR Department.