Over 200 households from within the Mahaicony River and surrounding areas in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) will now have better access to potable water following an intervention by the government.
On Thursday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha visited the area to distribute the 1,700-liter black water tanks to 202 households, an investment valued at over $8 million.
The intervention follows a commitment made by H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali after residents raised concerns about access to potable water during a farmers’ meeting last December.
Minister Mustapha, while addressing the gathering, explained that during the meeting with farmers who, at the time, were experiencing saltwater intrusion in several cultivation areas along the Mahaicony River, several persons, specifically women, raised concerns about the inadequate supply of potable water in the communities.
“After the meeting, I raised the issue at Cabinet. When the President heard about it, he said to put systems in place to provide a tank for each household. Today, less than a month since that visit, we are here to deliver relief,” the Minister explained.
Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Hon. Annand Persaud also attended the meeting.
