The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently moving to spend close to Gy$30 million to upgrade potable water distribution networks in several hinterland communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine.
One of the newly commissioned wells in Guyana
GWI is currently seeking contractors for the various infrastructural projects that would benefit hundreds of hinterland residents. The projects include installation of water distribution systems at Four Mile and Hill Top in Region One to the tune of some Gy$5 million. An additional Gy$8.1 million is earmarked for similar developments at Baramita, Kariako and Kwebanna, also in Region One.
Works in Region Two are intended to benefit residents in areas such as Hackney and Malborough in the Lower Pomeroon, and Kabakaburi in the Upper Pomeroon. These activities are estimated at Gy$6.2 million; and when completed, would see provision of potable water supplies to scores of hinterland residents in targeted communities. Installation of water distribution system is also planned for Imbaimadai in Region Seven, a project estimated to cost Gy$4.5 million. Similarly, Gy$3.1 million is budgeted for establishing potable water supply networks in Micobie, Region Eight, and another Gy$2.9 million for such activities at Potarinau in Region Nine.
These projects form part of a Gy$103 million Potable Water Improvement programme being rolled out during this year, targeting hinterland communities such as Sand Hills, Wiruni, Calcuni, Kariabo, Kwebanna and Mahdia, where over 5,000 residents are expected to benefit.
Overall, the Guyana government has allocated in 2011 a total of Gy$1.5 billion toward the water sector, seeking to improve supply in more communities. This sum is intended to facilitate transmission and distribution, main extension, treatment plant rehabilitation/upgrade and borehole construction activities benefiting over 100,000 persons. Under the Coastal Water Supply Programme, the state allocated Gy$850 million for improving water distribution in areas such as Hope, Calcutta, Lochaber, Anna Catherina, Diamond, De Hoop and Bartica.
In Linden, Gy$75 million is earmarked to focus on improving the reliability, functionality and integrity of the transmission and distribution systems at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc, from which over 7,000 residents will benefit. Last year, the state spent some Gy$3.4 billion to complete water treatment plants at Lima, Vergenoegen, Cotton Tree, Central Ruimveldt, Sophia and Corriverton. These developments reportedly benefited over 100,000 persons with improved water quality. Additionally, the water distribution networks at coastal locations and in Linden were expanded, while some 15,000 service connections were upgraded and in excess of 5,000 water meters were installed during that year.
Under the hinterland water treatment programme, seven solar photovoltaic systems were installed, three elevated storage tanks were built, and 23 shallow wells were completed in Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. Some 30,000 households are benefiting from these works, GWI officials said.
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