Kamwatta in the Barima-Waini region has received 10 water pumps donated by Ben Yantis, who has been conducting missionary work in Guyana and other countries in South America.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the items were handed over to senior councillor of Kamwatta Village, Maurice Henry by Ministerial Advisor of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Member of Parliament, Mervyn Williams, on Friday last.
The pumps are stainless steel and are intended for shallow wells of 30 feet or less in sandy soil.
During the handing over ceremony at the Santa Rosa Secondary School, Williams said that he had the opportunity to meet Yantis and his missionary team which is partnering with the organization, ‘I Am Clean Energy’ on the initiative.
According to Williams, the missionary has decided to collaborate with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to ensure access to clean water. . Another 50 pumps have already arrived in Guyana and will be distributed to Hobodeia, Hotoquai and Baramita among other areas.
“The intention is to eventually get 50,000 hand pumps across the hinterland regions where Indigenous peoples live,” Williams stated.
He explained that because the new pumps are made from stainless steel, they are expected to last longer than the previous ones.
Henry commended Williams for the pumps which he said will benefit the approximately 600 residents in his village.
The Guyana Water Incorporated has commenced the drilling of a well in Kamwatta, where the community, inclusive of a school and health centre, will benefit from first-time access to potable water.
