Some 500 residents of Bamia and Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway will are expected to receive potable water for the first time as work on wells in these communities is in the advanced stage.
Both wells are expected to be completed in September of this year and will bring much-needed relief for the residents, who for decades, depended on rainwater harvesting and the creeks, a release from the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) said. At Bamia, the well is being drilled to a depth of 400 feet to obtain quality water for some 240 residents. This work is being undertaken by a private contractor at a cost less than $20m.
Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh on a visit to the well site on Thursday was pleased with the pace of work by the contractor.
Dorothy Gipson, 65, one of the residents at the meeting, said the community of Bamia appreciates the work of GWI and the government.
“We are very happy because for years we have been relying on rainwater and the creeks for water to do our daily chores and now we will be getting water in our homes. This well is not far from my house, and I will take interest in caring for and safeguarding this investment for the community,” Gipson said.
“We would like to have this well ready before September 12, which is the date for our heritage celebration. This is a gift to our community for the celebration and we would like to have it before the celebration begins,” a beaming James Williams, the Toshao of the community, told Baksh.
Like Bamia, the residents of Long Creek have for decades depended on rainwater harvesting and the creeks for supply of their farming and household chores, the release said.
“We are excited that this community will be receiving water for the first time, and we look forward to the moment. It will positively change the lives of the residents of our community. No longer would we have to make regular visits to the creeks to fetch water. This is a big relief to households and a big boost to farming at Long Creek,” said Katrene Alfred, who serves as Vice-Chair of the community, said, according to the release.
