Some 800 residents in the remote community of Monkey Mountain, Potaro–Siparuni (Region Eight) can now boast of improved water supply, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal commissioned the $32.7 million Water Supply Improvement Project in the village.
A release from the CH&PA said that the new well was drilled through rocks at a depth of 100 metres in central Monkey Mountain, where the schools and health centre operate. It now provides access to 95 percent of residents.
Previously, the community utilized an existing gravity-fed system, which had deteriorated and could not supply adequate water. This system supplied water to the central area, while Section Two, which is approximately 2 kilometers away, has a separate system that pumps water from a nearby creek. Expansion of the new system is currently being explored.
Community Service Officers will also be trained in water system operation and maintenance to assist in management of the project.
Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailal, said that the new well is equipped with a photovoltaic pumping system, with a submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories.
The project was completed by R. Kissoon Contracting Services. Other works included installation of 3000 meters of 50mm (2”) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes & 1000 meters of 19mm (3/4”) pipes with 80 service connections. A reinforced concrete base was also constructed to house four No. 450-gallon storage tanks and galvanized chain-link fence around the well and photovoltaic system.
