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Guyana is an Amerindian word meaning “land of many waters.” Guyana is the world’s fastest growing economy and the richest per capita. This year Guyana is expected to rake in no less than US$2.5 Billion from oil and gas. On February 2, 2024 the Government passed a GY$1.146 Trillion budget, the largest in Guyana’s history.
Last month the Government returned to the National Assembly for more than GY$40 Billion in supplemental funding. Of that amount the Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) is allocated GY$600 million for the completion of infrastructure for the supply of water to far-flung communities.
In spite of the Guyana’s wealth and natural resources basic amenities such as water and light are not within the reach of many Guyanese. This is further underscored by Government celebrating the delivery of 140 water tanks to coastland dwellers who should have been able to turn on the taps in their homes, any time of the day, and get clean, potable water.
Government recently delivered the water tanks to households of the privately owned Dr Charles Housing Scheme in Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), fulfilling a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali.
Earlier in the year, Ali conducted engagements with the community and residents highlighted the need for black tanks to aid in water storage due to water scarcity, which he committed to addressing. The scarcity was not addressed by making GWI more efficient but ministers bearing gifts of black tanks.
On Saturday Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar delivered the tanks.