Govt sinks $107M into new wells for Lusignan, Diamond

Lusignan residents are to have a better water supply in another three months as a contract has been signed for a new well to be dug in the area, replacing the current one which will outlive its usefulness in less than four months.

BNTF Project Manager Michael Singh (second from right) hands over the project document for the new Lusignan well to contractor Philmon Morren at the Lusignan Primary yesterday. Looking on are NDC Chairman Richard Bactowar (right) and consultant Paul Bernard.
BNTF Project Manager Michael Singh (second from right) hands over the project document for the new Lusignan well to contractor Philmon Morren at the Lusignan Primary yesterday. Looking on are NDC Chairman Richard Bactowar (right) and consultant Paul Bernard.

The new system will incorporate submersible pumps with electrical control panels and discharge pipe assembly, Water Minister Irfaan Ali revealed yesterday. Ali and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh witnessed the signing of the contract yesterday at the Lusignan Primary School.

Fifty-one million dollars will be expended on the project, which is being undertaken by a Trinidad-based contractor, Water and Oil Wells Service, while the consulting firm is CEMCO.

Philmon Morren signed on behalf of the contractor while Basic Needs Trust Fund Project Manager Michael Singh and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Richard Bactowar were the other signatories.

In brief remarks, Ali told the few community members present that the current borehole was not performing satisfactorily resulting in low levels of water and an analysis conducted last month revealed that there were problems with it. As a result it has to be replaced urgently.

The replacement, he said, would allow for an increase in service pressure throughout the village, as there would be less loss at the source.

He pointed out too that no new maintenance would be needed for the first five years and that the implementation should employ about 360 persons in the community.

Meanwhile, he pointed out that the Guyana Water Incorporated’s system in each division is a continuous network of pipelines with control valves at strategic locations, which allows it to effectively maintain the system and make optimal use of the water resources. He said this system was in good shape and will not require upgrading.

Dr Singh, in brief comments, urged the community members present to be an example of a community that does not waste water. He noted that the water company expends more than $200 million on electricity each month and stressed that conservation was not only important but vital.

The ministers also witnessed the signing of another contract for a new well in the Grove/Diamond community. This would make it possible for the residents of the two communities as well as Kaneville to get regular and adequate supply of potable water for their daily use.

This project is to be completed at a cost of $56 million and will be done by the same contractor for the Lusignan well.

Currently,Grove/ Diamond/ Kaneville residents are forced to fetch water from the existing well or purchase water. The new well will have the capacity to serve not just the existing community, but also a 50% increase in households.