Another hinterland village will see an end to its water woes with the installation of a new $56 million water distribution system.
A Department of Public Information release yesterday said that Quebanang Village, situated in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, is the latest beneficiary of a new potable water system valued at some $56.3 million.
It was explained that Quebanang, a satellite village of Jawalla, currently relies on a spring source and a small photo-voltaic and distribution pipe network to supply water to a portion of the community. However, the release pointed out that this existing system is inadequate to meet the water demands of the entire area.
Further, the community has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Hinterland Housing Programme, where 10 vulnerable families will receive homes valued at approximately $40 million.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during his recent visit to the area accompanied by Hinterland Service Director, Ramchand Jailall, made these developments known to the villagers. The minister had visited the area some time back when the residents raised concerns about the challenges they faced in accessing clean and safe water. The pollution resulting from mining activities in the nearby river rendered its water unsafe for consumption.
Upon learning of the issues facing the residents, he made a commitment to address the issue. As such, the announcement of the construction of a new water system was welcome news to the community. The project is slated to commence shortly and will be executed by R. Kissoon Contracting Services.
“We made a commitment and we have delivered on that commitment that is what we do as a government…we want to ensure that we uplift your quality of life,” Croal told the residents.
Regarding the housing programme, Croal announced that the project will commence before the end of this year with each unit estimated to cost $4 million. According to the release, all materials for the construction will be sourced from the village. The ministry will cover the wages of two skilled labourers, while the selected beneficiaries will supply the remaining labour required to complete their respective units.
This programme is specifically aimed at vulnerable groups within Amerindian villages, including the elderly and single parents. As such, the minister urged the village council to prioritise transparency during the selection process
The minister assured that the government understands the needs of the communities and is making resources available to address those needs.
“In the short three years, we are investing in you and your children’s development… we are talking right away for this small community, an injection of close to $100 million,” he highlighted.
Croal also assured the residents that they will benefit from solar panels through the Hinterland Solar Home Installation programme. Each system’s features includes a 160-watt solar panel and a mobile charging facility.
The village also received a tractor and trailer from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to aid in their agriculture programme, the release added.
