In observance of World Water Day, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Shaik Baksh have underscored the importance of water in the fight against COVID-19 and the need for continued conservation.
Minister Croal said that while Guyana is fortunate to be dubbed the ‘Land of Many Waters’ it still faces its own water challenges which the Government is working daily to address. Without access to water, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that the lives of Guyanese on a large scale could have been adversely affected.
“Water is valuable to us, our lives, our homes, our schools and our environment, more so now, as we battle to contain the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, adequate availability of water for the washing of hands and cleaning of spaces is critical, as we navigate the new norm. This is why our mandate is to ensure that every citizen has unfettered access to clean water at an affordable cost,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Baksh highlighted the key role GWI has played during the pandemic by increasing access to its facilities and services to some communities previously without potable water.
The CEO said the GWI plans to continue to deliver safe, adequate and affordable water to Guyanese and, in turn, requires that citizens practice daily water conservation.
“In the face of climate change and the serious consequences of water unavailability in the light of COVID-19, it is critical that everyone plays their role for the financial sustainability of our service to you. As such, I implore you, my fellow Guyanese to be cognizant of your water usage, leaking faucets and pipes within and around your premise, as well as water bill payment dates. Let us all remember to pay for this valuable resource on time, every time and to report leaks,” Baksh implored.
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22, 2021 with a focus on what water means to people, its true value and how persons can better protect the vital resource.
