New wells, other services for Amerindian communities in the Pomeroon

Residents of Wakapoa and Akawini (Baracaro) in the Lower Pomeroon and Karawab and Kabakaburi in the Upper Pomeroon will receive first-time access to potable water with the drilling of new wells in the villages.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal made this announcement during a two-day outreach in the region on February 17-18, 2023.

Regional Vice-chairman, Mr. Humace Oudit; Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Ramchand Jailal and other technical officials accompanied the Minister.

Currently, the villagers who are predominantly Amerindians, source water from the river and through rainwater harvesting. Minister Croal stated that the incoming systems are in keeping with a commitment of H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. He also said the government is heavily investing to ensure that hinterland and riverine communities receive 100% access to potable water by 2025.

The wells will be drilled through GWI with a new PAT Rig acquired by the water company. The rig is expected to arrive in March and drilling of two wells will begin at Wakapoa in April, before moving to Baracaro for the drilling of another well. GWI also aims to connect three nearby islands at Akawini to the system. The rig will then be moved to the other areas.

“That well will provide a better quality of life for our people. It will help you to re- duce some of your hardships that you may be faced with in the dry season,” Minister Croal told residents

Additionally, two Community Service Officers (CSOs) will trained to assist GWI with the operation and maintenance of the systems upon completion.

With the villages also set to benefit from monies earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, the Minister also urged them to be innovative and embark on projects that will foster sustainable economic growth and job creation.

During the meeting, residents also took the opportunity to highlight issues affecting them in their communities. These issues will be addressed by the relevant subject Ministers and agencies.

Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal told residents during a community meeting on Saturday. “For this end of Capoey you can be rest assured that we will be drilling a well this year to put the distribution lines to your household. That is a commitment that was made by our President and we are working to deliver it as quickly as possible” Minister Croal said.

This community is now among several others that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be using its new $82 million PAT Rig to drill wells in Region Two. Access to potable water is critical to health and sanitation and the socio-economic development of Guyanese. Since taking office in 2020, the President-Ali led Government has shifted potable water coverage in riverine and hinterland communities from 46% 75% by the end of 2022.

GWI has a budgetary allocation of $1.4 billion for 2023, which the Minister said will push the government closer to achieving its goal for 100% access to potable water by 2025.