A $143M contract to install a water system at the Dazzell Housing Scheme was signed on Wednesday, less than two months after residents complained that their area had been overlooked in favour of ‘Pradoville 2.’
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said 11 kilometres of pipelines are expected to be laid to benefit about 5000 residents. The Scheme has faced several obstacles and was challenged by the manner in which the co-op society was being operated. The co-op has been charged with failing to provide many of the basic services needed, including potable water. Work on the water distribution network is expected to start within the next three months and water will be available in the community by next year.
When the contract was signed, Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali said, “We remain committed in expanding our service to every single Guyanese, in working with every community to ensure that all of our people have improved standards of living.”
This year, over $210M will be invested in the water sector on the East Coast, which includes completing the Enmore well which will be interlinked to the entire network and the Good Hope well and the service connection network at Haslington.
The minister also charged residents to take an interest in the works being conducted in their communities “to ensure value for money, and that the contractor performs effectively, reliably and in a timely manner.” He then asked the contractor to ensure that works are executed according to the contract.
Meanwhile, acting CEO at the Guyana Water Inc Nigel Niles urged residents to protect the infrastructure after it is completed, since it will be for their benefit. GINA also said, “The bill of quantities was left with the residents of the community to assist in the smooth execution of the project.”
