A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was yesterday signed between the Ministries of Housing and Water and Amerindian Affairs, for the training of Community Service Officers (CSOs) in the Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply Systems in the hinterland.
The MoU was signed by Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Housing & Water and Amerindian Affairs, Andre Ally and Ryan Toolsiram respectively, in the boardroom of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI).
A GWI release said that at least two Community Service Officers will be identified from each Amerindian community that has an existing GWI water supply system, to operate and maintain the system in their respective communities.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said that the signing of the MoU signals Government’s commitment to the development of all Guyanese regardless of where in Guyana they reside.
Part of the training would entail the operation of a new PAT drilling rig, which was recently acquired by GWI. It is scheduled to commence drilling in the community of Swan, followed by Kaikan then Moruca, the release said.
The Minister noted that there is a plan for the delivery of potable water countrywide, since there is under 60% access in the Hinterland. He said that 100% access is envisaged by 2025.
To have full water coverage for Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 and riverain coastland communities, 146 new wells would be required, the release said.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, who was also present at the signing ceremony, said the collaboration among the agencies will result in benefits for the CSOs as well as the communities, GWI and by extension, the Ministry.
She noted that often times, visits are made to communities with simple water issues, which escalate due to poor maintenance. “So if we have permanent trained people to maintain, the life expectancy of the system will be extended”, Rodrigues reasoned.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai highlighted that there are currently over 2000 participants in the CSO programme across the country and this year, it is expected to move to 2500.
CEO of GWI, Shaik Baksh said yesterday’s signing cements what GWI has been doing for the last 18 months since Government resumed office, which is building partnerships.
Training programmes for CSOs are to commence today in Region 9 and would not only feature the theory aspect but will also be heavily focused on the practical side.
