By Josiah Williams
Residents in Capoey, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, are celebrating newfound access to potable water with the completion of a new 11 million-dollar well.
The commissioning of the well on Wednesday marked a significant milestone for the close to 550 residents of Capoey, representing 96 percent of the community’s population.
Prior to this development, residents had to rely on the lake and rainwater harvesting for their daily water needs.
Many residents expressed their gratitude for the new well, highlighting the challenges they faced during dry seasons and the relief brought by reliable access to clean water.
Linda Roberts, a resident, shared her elation, emphasizing the previous struggles with water scarcity during dry weather.
Magdalene Henry, another resident, conveyed her joy upon witnessing water running through the pipes at her sister’s house, underscoring the positive impact on the community’s quality of life.
Allison Williams echoed the sentiment of appreciation, emphasizing the importance of water for life and thanking the government for the initiative.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, addressed concerns raised by residents regarding the high iron content in other water sources in the region.
She assured residents that the government would invest in water treatment plants to mitigate this issue.
Rodrigues announced plans for three water treatment plants located at Onderneeming, Maria’s Delight, and Lima to serve customers along the coast.
The Capoey water supply system project included the drilling of a 42-metre-deep well, installation of a water distribution network, standpipes, four storage tanks, and a perimeter fence, among other components.
This development signifies a significant improvement in the quality of life for residents of Capoey, ensuring access to clean and reliable water for years to come.