Residents of Isseneru, Region Seven are now enjoying first-time access to potable water with the commissioning of a $59 million supply system.
The system was commissioned yesterday by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. Also present were Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal; Toshao, Dhaness Larson, residents and other officials, a release from the Central Housing and Planning Authority said.
Previously, there was no functioning water supply system in Isseneru, which has a population of 500, the release said. Residents would either use water from the Mazaruni River or practice rainwater harvesting. The new system provides water to all residents in the central area and public buildings such as schools and the health centre, the release said.
The Minister in his address also lauded the work of the contractor, Adamantium Holdings for the delivery of the project despite a number of challenges with the location and terrain.
Jailal urged the commu-nity to ensure that the system is utilised correctly. He also noted that two Community Service Officers were trained in the operation and maintenance of the system.
The release said that the scope of works for the water supply system included: the drilling of a new potable water well to a depth of 390 feet; the installation of 3000 meters of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes & 1000 meters of 19mm (3/4”) pipes with 90 service connections; construction of a 20 feet elevated metal trestle with storage and six 600 gallon storage tanks; installation of a photovoltaic pumping system including submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories; and construction of galvanized chain-link fencing around the well and photovoltaic system. The water has also been tested to ensure its quality conforms to the standards of the World Health Organization.
Residents of the community also welcomed the project. Community Health Worker, Ronald Gayral stated “it would be very beneficial to the village, our main water supply would be from the creek, but when it’s dry season it would be very hard on the villagers.”
Cedric Wilkie, who is a teacher at the primary school remarked that the well will improve the quality of the school and community by extension. “We should benefit within the community and school and other areas as well, so I think it’s a good initiative,” Wilkie said.
