Minister promises improved water supply to Moraikobai

Minister within the Ministry of Housing & Water, Susan Rodrigues checking the water supply system in the village (GWI photo)
Minister within the Ministry of Housing & Water, Susan Rodrigues checking the water supply system in the village (GWI photo)

Residents of Moraikobai, Region 5 can look forward to improved water supply system in the near future, a release from the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) said yesterday.

This follows an assessment of their situation by Minister within the Ministry of Housing & Water, Susan Rodrigues.

The village of Moraikobai, which has a population of approximately 1200 persons, is being served by a single shallow well that was drilled some years ago, GWI said.

During interactions with the residents yesterday, GWI said that the Minister received complaints about neglect of the water system. She was told that not only is the water supply system insufficient for the population, but access is also limited.

Bridget France, a resident of the community, explained to  Rodrigues that there are approximately 20 stand pipes in the community but many are non-functional. In addition to the shallow well, the village sources water from rainfall and the Mahaicony River.

As part of a short-term solution to address these concerns, GWI said that Rodrigues committed to repair the existing stand pipes and simultaneously expand the distribution network in keeping with the capacity of the well.

She also assured Moraikobai Toshao,  Colin Adrian that GWI will return to flush the distribution network and repair leaks, since complaints of a high iron content were also raised. The Minister said her ministry and GWI will look at employing servicemen from the village who will be able to address any technical issues on a timely basis.

GWI is expected to present a full report on the village’s water system to the Minister following yesterday’s assessment which would pave the way for the drilling of a new well next year.

Rodrigues, on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, also handed over food hampers to villagers. These included 250 sacks of rice, 1200 pounds of peas and 1200 pounds of channa, the release said.