Residents in several communities in East Berbice, Region Six are to benefit from improved access to potable water.
Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, made this assertion during a peace summit hosted by the Junior Chambers International-Guyana (JCI) in Canje, Berbice.
According to a release from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, she said that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently executing a service expansion programme which caters for the installation of new distribution systems in Alness, Crabwood Creek, Number 64 and Number 61 villages.
“This programme will benefit over 4,000 Guyanese,” the Minister said. She added, “we are also presently doing meter installations and this has good benefits, as it improves your level of service by reducing wastage and allows customers to pay for only what they use.”
Under GWI’s 2021 work programme, the Minister said that through a request by President Irfaan Ali, the Johanna water supply system has also been expanded to improve coverage in Yakusari and its environs.
Rodrigues said that the provision of potable water is part of the Ministry’s priority for bettering the lives of all Guyanese, while also keeping in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal Six to provide access to clean water and sanitation for all.
The release said that plans are also in motion for the expansion of water treatment systems and the upgrading of infrastructure in Region Six.
Meanwhile, in the area of housing, the Minister announced that $60 million will be expended for infrastructure upgrades in the Number 76 and Number 77 villages.
Further, some 200 moderate-income homes will be constructed in Williamsburg and Fortlands Ordnance. The construction of these homes is expected to provide employment for approximately 1,000 Berbicians. All of the contractors and materials will also be sourced from the region, she stated.
Rodrigues was accompanied at the event by Regional Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan, Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud, Regional Housing Officer, Kristina Muthusami and other officials.
