Over 300 households within the communities of Waikabra and Hillfoot on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway will soon benefit from a new well.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin D Croal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) , Mr. Shaik Baksh met with residents on Friday regarding the new development. Also at the meeting were Lamaha/Yarrowkabra NDC Chairman, Mr. Floyd Smith; Vice-chairperson Mrs. Michelle Drepaul and other community representatives.
The existing Waiakabra well which was drilled in 2017 to serve both Waiakabra and Hillfoot, is currently inoperable. It is suspected to be damaged due to a rupture in the well casing that occurred during an extraction process. Several attempts were made by the water company to rehabilitate the well to no avail.
“We understand that this situation has affected all of you tremendously, and we are committed to finding a solution,” Minister Croal expressed.
“GWI is currently drilling a well at Swan. We expect this to be completed in the next two weeks and then the team will mobilise to begin drilling the new well here in Waiakabra,” the Minister assured residents.
The new well is expected to be completed by the end of August, 2022. GWI CEO, Mr. Baksh stated that procurement of the necessary materials has already begun.
As part of temporary measures, the region is trucking water in a tanker and pumping it into the distribution network through the well discharge to serve Waiakabra. Residents of Hillfoot will also benefit from similar measures over the coming days. GWI is also exploring the use of the community’s tractor and trailer to transport water directly to the homes of residents.
Additionally, Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Ltd. has agreed to provide support to residents from their water supply system.
