The Ministry of Housing and Water is set to embark on a significant water supply program in Guyana’s hinterland regions, aiming to enhance residents’ access to clean and reliable water sources. This initiative will involve the drilling of numerous wells in these areas before the year 2025.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal revealed that this comprehensive water supply program is a crucial step towards achieving the government’s goal of ensuring 100 percent water coverage in the hinterland. Currently, water coverage in these regions stands at approximately 75 percent completion.
To expedite progress, 40 wells are scheduled to be drilled by the end of 2023, with another 40 to follow in 2024. This strategic provision is expected to boost the hinterland water coverage rate to 85 percent by the end of this year and further to 93 percent by 2024.
Minister Croal emphasized that this program will directly benefit over 15,000 residents in the hinterland, significantly improving their access to clean and safe water sources.
In addition to the drilling of new wells, the Ministry will continue to monitor water conditions in various hinterland communities, enabling swift and targeted interventions as needed. Minister Croal highlighted the importance of considering climate change and its potential impact on water resources in these areas.
It is worth noting that the government has already invested approximately $2 billion in enhancing water coverage in the hinterland since assuming office in 2020. This effort has seen the drilling of more than 40 wells, with one region benefiting from as many as 14 wells, the highest number compared to other regions.
The massive water supply program underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for hinterland residents, ensuring access to a vital resource, and mitigating the challenges posed by water scarcity in these regions.