Concerns that residents of Canal Bank, Region One may soon face a water shortage are mounting following the contamination of the community’s main source of water by mining activities in the area.
Last week, residents of the community called for swift action over the pollution. However, up to yesterday the situation remained the same and, according to reports, water supplies are quickly depleting due to high demand.
A source told this newspaper that officials are unable to locate the persons responsible for the contamination of the Kaituma Creek.
Though there is a well with four tanks, this is insufficient and is expected to run dry soon. According to reports, accessing water has become expensive for residents, especially those who must travel from great distances to get clean water.
Recently, the government announced $80M in aid to the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) for a water treatment plant to be constructed in the area in light of the pollution.
Residents had told Stabroek News that the pollution of the Kaituma Canal and Creek has been a continuous occurrence. They also expressed fear that if not addressed urgently there would be an outbreak of water-borne infections. Already there have been complaints of vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rashes.
