The Guyana Water Incorporated is expanding its water supply in hinterland communities by installing a solar-powered water system at St Denny’s/Tapakuma.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release GWI will install a solar photovoltaic system, elevated storage tanks, and distribution network and stand pipes which will benefit the small, Region Two community comprising 386 residents.
During a recent visit to the area, GWI Hinterland Manager Akram Hussein said that this system will ensure a reliable and easily accessible water supply.
He said the installation of the solar photovoltaic system will send water to almost 200 feet to the community. “This is a good intervention and we hope that the community will play its part in maintaining the system,” Hussein said.
Toshao Doreen Jacobus welcomed the intervention. She said with the current El Niño condition, water is very low in the canal and lakes. She noted too that as a result of the low water pressure residents are sourcing water from creeks in the backdam. Jacobus said residents still access water from a well which had been dug in the community a few years ago but the water is discoloured. She also said if the current weather condition persists the community would experience serious problems accessing potable water.
GINA said solar photovoltaic systems have been installed at Waramadong, Quebenang and Jawalla, recently and pump stations were rehabilitated in Orealla, Siparuta, Ituni, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Bon Success and Culvert City.
Water storage facilities were built at Whitewater, Santa Rosa, Waramuri, Manawarin, Phillipai and Kamwatta.
It said too government plans to expand potable water supply to several hinterland communities including Capoey, Mainstay, Surama, Toka, Tiger Pond, Haiwa, St Cuthbert’s Mission and Paramakatoi.