Electricity, water for #1 Canal residents  

For the first time in decades forty-two families living along the Conservancy Dam at Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD), will have access to potable water and electricity.

The move was initiated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali when he visited the Canal Number one community two weeks ago. That community outreach prompted another meeting between residents and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Hon. Deodat Indar.

During the meeting with the Head of State, residents had raised concerns over the struggles they have been facing due to the lack of electricity and running water. On Tuesday Croal delivered some good news. “I am pleased to inform you that commencing next week, GWI in-house (because we are now finalising budgetary resources) with the assistance of machinery from a contractor, will start connections to households along the Conservancy starting next week”

The project will see the entire community of just over 42 families, benefitting.  “Starting next week and within completion period of a month, we will have connection of 42 houses going along the line,” he stated. Similarly, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) will next week commence the installation of electricity to the homes of those families. The company is currently drafting some designs, going beyond the existing network along the conservancy dam.

Minister Indar told residents that they can look forward to an improved quality of life under the PPP/C Administration. “We were put there by your votes and we are serving you to the best of our ability, as fast as we can, responding to your issues.”

He said while there is currently no budget in place for massive developmental projects, work will continue where possible. He assured that full work will commence when the 2020 national budget is passed in a few weeks. Minister Croal said the Irfaan Ali Administration means business. “You need to trust your Government, trust your President because he means business. The fact that he came here and you had immediate follow-up interventions, would tell you how committed your government is to resolve issues that are confronting us day in day out.” The Ministers also addressed issues regarding house lot allocation and street lights, among others. (DPI)