A $42 million water distribution system was commissioned in Jawalla, in the Upper-Mazaruni on Sunday, enabling access by some 600 residents to potable water for the first time, the Department of Public Informa-tion (DPI) has reported.
The system was commissioned by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal.
The DPI reported that the scope of works included drilling of a deep water well, installation of the pipe network with service connections, construction of a trestle with storage tanks, construction of a fence and the installation of a photovoltaic pumping system.
Minister Croal was reported as saying that the new system will see more than 90% of residents, including the school and hospital on the right bank of the river, accessing potable water through their taps.
“Our intention is to ensure potable water reaches each and every community and we will deliver that during our first term in office,” he said.
Croal added that investments in the Upper Mazaruni alone amounted to close to $100 million in just over a year and included the construction of the systems at Jawalla, as well as Kamarang and Kurutuku.
This year, similar projects will be executed at Waramadong, and Phillipai, among other villages in Region Seven, representing an investment of close to $200 million.
“We have placed it in our 2022 budget programme…. we have already tendered for them and are currently at the evaluation stage,” Croal was also quoted as saying.
Toshao Verron Henry said the new system will bring significant relief to residents, especially women who had to walk long distances to fetch water. Henry was optimistic that the government will deliver on its promise to expand the system to ensure every household benefits from the service.
Meanwhile, the report said Community Support Officers are being trained to manage and maintain the water supply systems in hinterland communities, while Croal announced that a sub-regional officer of GWI will be based in Kamarang to provide supervision.
