Residents in the farming community of Big Biaboo, Mahaica, are now have a potable water supply for the first time following the commissioning of a $9.7 million water system.
The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) said the system was commissioned on Friday afternoon by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, along with Regional Chairman of Region Five Vickchand Ramphal, and technical officials from the Guyana Water Incorporated.
In a press release, the CH&PA said the commissioning fulfils another promise made by the minister for the provision of potable water in several communities.
It noted that in September 2020, she had visited the area, which has been inhabited by informal settlers for more than three decades. At the time the residents called on her for access to potable water and the development of a new housing area.
Earlier this year, Cabinet approved the regularisation of Big Biaboo, paving the way for GWI to begin the water expansion project.
“It’s a vast area, so it took a lot of investment and finally we can say that we made that commitment as well and we can have residents living in dignity and have access to the services and the utilities that all Guyanese deserve to have access to,” Rodrigues was quoted as saying.
She also commended regional representatives for their efforts in bringing issues faced by residents in communities across the region to the forefront. She stated that this has played a crucial role in the government’s mandate to address issues and improve the lives of citizens.
The project, which is executed under the supervision of the GWI, includes the installation of 1.9 kilometers of 4 inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and is expected to see some twenty six (26) households benefitting.
Meanwhile, the CH&PA release said that while in the area, Rodrigues led a hamper distribution exercise at Little Biaboo. The hampers are being distributed as part of government’s response for farmers affected by recent floods. Some 190 livestock and cash crop farmers, who have been affected are expected to benefit at the conclusion of the distribution process. The list of farmers was drawn from the communities of Little Biaboo, Big Biaboo and Hansom Tree.
