3 new wells for Manawarin as $70M invested to boost water access

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, today visited a well site at Manawarin in Moruca, Region One, where drilling is underway for one of three new water supply systems to benefit the community.

He was accompanied by Regional Vice-Chairperson, Annansha Peters, and Hinterland Services Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailal, during the visit.

Minister Croal highlighted the government’s commitment to improving water access in hinterland communities.

He explained that while an initial well was being drilled in Central Manawarin to serve the local school, health center, and government facilities, the village’s unique geography—with multiple islands—made it impractical to extend pipelines to all areas from that well.

As a result, independent water supply systems were necessary.

To address this challenge, the Ministry, through GWI, is investing $70 million in the drilling of three wells in the area. This project is being undertaken by Fabra Enterprise.

“We are working as quickly as possible with the contractor to ensure that we are able to complete the work because there is a lot more to be completed, in keeping with our commitment to 100% access to potable water in the hinterland in this year,” Minister Croal stated.

Currently, residents in the area where one of the wells is being drilled rely on nearby creeks for water, which dry up during prolonged dry seasons, forcing them to fetch water from distant sources. Minister Croal emphasized that the new wells will significantly improve their quality of life.

Additionally, across the Moruca subdistrict, approximately six wells are in progress, and more contracts are expected to be awarded soon

Toshao of Manawarin, Samuel Miguel, said development in the community has been moving apace. He expressed his gratitude for the initiative, stating, “As the leader of this village, I am very satisfied with what our government is doing for us.

He further noted that about 30 households, including his own, will benefit from the new water system and welcomed the Ministry’s expansion to other sections of the community.