A new water system is in the works for the Potaro-Siparuni village of Paramakatoi.
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in a release yesterday said that it has recognised the need for a sustainable supply of water not only for consumption and domestic purposes, but also to support economic activities in the Region Eight village.
This was noted following a recent visit by a team of GWI officials headed by Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe to assess the water situation there.
Recognising the urgent need for better water access, Dr. Van West-Charles invited representatives of the Paramakatoi Village Council to meet with GWI’s technical personnel at his Vlissengen Road, Georgetown office to discuss the new water systems for the community.
During the meeting, Toshao of the community, Gideon John, Vice Toshao, Jimmy James and Christopher Chung, presented to Dr. Van West-Charles, Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Implemention Ramchand Jailal and Hinterland Manager, Osei Manifold, a community designed plan for the drilling of wells at various locations. A plan to source water at the top of a mountain and share it to the community was also discussed as a possible solution to situation that exists.
Satisfied with their proposal and knowledge of the community, the release said that GWI entered into an official agreement with the Paramakatoi Village Council to develop the ideal water system that would allow for an adequate supply for domestic and economic purposes.
The agreement will see the community members helping with preparatory works for drilling. This includes excavating the proposed water source to facilitate test pumping by GWI and presenting a proposal for the maintenance of the water system among other things.
The community currently depends on a reservoir of spring water that is deemed insufficient. Villagers have also complained about droughts during the period of January to March, GWI said.
