The water distribution network at Karisparu, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), is now 60% complete and is expected to be fully implemented by mid-June. This disclosure was made by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, who also revealed that the government has invested $60 million in the project.
Speaking at a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony to honour the lives lost during last May’s Mahdia dormitory fire, Croal stated that the project will boost water coverage in the community of Karisparu and the region at large.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, the project involves the construction of a trestle system, catchment system, and distribution network, and its main aim is to provide potable water to residents. Croal, the release said, emphasized that the project was part of the government’s agenda to ensure that every hinterland community has access to clean water by the end of 2025.
The minister also revealed that the project has faced logistical challenges, including access to the area to transport a rig. However, according to the DPI, with the reopening of the airstrip, access has been enhanced, and the contractor will be able to transport more materials to the area.
Additionally, Croal announced that more water tanks will be added to the two tanks currently in the system, increasing the water supply to residents. The government has already spent $526 million over the past three and a half years to advance water access in the region, and is expected to spend $650 million by the end of this year, the release said.
This investment is expected to increase water coverage in Region Eight to around 90% by the end of the year, and the release added that a total of $1.5 billion has been budgeted for improving water services in the hinterland regions for 2024.
Meanwhile, it was also highlighted that 361 residents from Kamana and Sand Hill are benefiting from new water supply systems worth $84 million. In addition, ten Karisparu families will benefit from the construction of ten elevated houses under the hinterland housing programme.
At the ceremony, the minister was joined by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and GWI’s Hinterland Services Director Ramchand Jailal, the release said.
