Close to 2,000 residents in Region Nine are now benefiting from improved access to safe drinking water following the commissioning of four new water supply systems in the villages of Karasabai, Jawari, Wichabai and Curicock. The projects, officially commissioned on Friday, represent a combined investment of $102 million and mark a major step forward in expanding access to potable water in Guyana’s hinterland communities.
The commissioning ceremonies were led by the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, alongside village leaders and technical teams from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). Minister Indar highlighted that the projects have brought near-universal water coverage to the area, benefiting 1,865 residents. Karasabai now has 98 per cent water coverage, while Jawari, Wichabai and Curicock have achieved full coverage within their settled communities.
In Karasabai, two new 150-millimetre PVC wells were constructed in Section Two and the Airstrip View area at an estimated cost of $36 million. These wells are powered by independent photovoltaic systems and secured by perimeter fencing, providing a reliable water supply to 127 households. Similar water supply systems were also developed in Jawari, Wichabai and Curicock, where wells were drilled and distribution networks installed to ensure consistent access to potable water.
Addressing residents, Minister Indar said the new systems have significantly improved water security and public health across the sub-district. He noted that targeted drilling, system upgrades and the expansion of infrastructure into satellite villages have been crucial to achieving near-universal water access in these communities.
The Minister further explained that the water projects form part of a broader $30.4 billion investment package delivered to Region Nine during President Dr Irfaan Ali’s first term in office. He emphasised that, beyond infrastructure development, the initiative also focused on community empowerment through the use of local labour. According to Indar, residents were actively involved in the execution of the projects, enabling them to earn income, acquire new skills and apply that knowledge in future development works.
Minister Indar stressed that the investments reflect the Government’s strong commitment to closing the gap in water access between coastal and hinterland regions. He reaffirmed that ensuring reliable, year-round access to potable water for even the most remote Indigenous communities remains a key national priority.
The commissioning ceremonies were also attended by GWI’s Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailal; technical staff from the water utility; Regional Vice Chairman Daniel Aguilar; Toshao David Albert; and other community representatives, all of whom welcomed the projects as a transformative development for the region.