Government is seeking funding from the UK Department for International Develop-ment (DfID) to expand potable water systems for ten hinterland areas.
The Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA), in a press release, said the project will entail the construction of wells fitted with hand pumps and rainwater catchments for a majority of the Region One (Barima/Waini) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) villages. Kama-rang, Imbaimadai, Warawatta, Paruima, Waramadong, Que-banna, Koka, Kambaru, Jawalla, Wax Creek, Phillipai and Chinowieng are the communities earmarked to benefit. The project is expected to benefit 2800 people.
GINA said a $44.5M scheme to improve access to potable water is ongoing in Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni). This project is being undertaken by the Guyana Micro Projects Programme. More than $2.9B was, this year, allocated for the water and sanitation sector, almost double last year’s amount. In the 2006 budget $240M was channelled toward service connections, implementing the Hinterland Water Strategy (HWS), constructing ground storage tanks, procuring hardware and software and developing new networking systems. About 55 wells were dug in hinterland communities and 20 pumps installed.
GINA said the HWS aims to ensure that safe water is supplied to about 80% of hinterland settlements through sustainable and cost-effective means. After the systems had been installed government conducted a Volume Level Operation and Maintenance Training Programme last May with representatives from 11 South-Central Rupununi villages. The participants were taught to service and maintain the equipment and report to the Guyana Water Incor-porated on their operation. Sessions have been planned for Lethem, Annai, Karasabai and Aishalton at year end.
Water projects have also been completed at Mabaruma, Waramurri settlements in Region One, Laluni and St Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four, Moraikobai in Region Five, Orealla in Region Six, Mahdia in Region Eight, Bina Hill (Annai), Fairview, Shiriri, Massara, Apoteri, Karasabai and Potarinau in Region Nine. Water systems have also been installed at Hotoquai in Region One and Riversview and Kartabo in Region Seven.
