RESIDENTS of Skyland, a small community in the Moruca Sub-region, Region One, are celebrating a major step forward in their quality of life following the commissioning of a new water supply system on Monday, August 19.

The $17 million project was officially commissioned by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, alongside Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Director of Hinterland Services, Mr. Ramchand Jailall. It is part of the government’s broader efforts to expand water coverage and improve living conditions in hinterland and riverine communities.
With a population of about 70 people, approximately 95 percent of Skyland’s residents will now benefit directly from reliable access to potable water. For years, villagers had to depend on creeks and rainwater harvesting to meet their daily needs, but this new development is expected to significantly ease that burden.

The project was executed through a partnership between Diamond Drilling and Supplies, which undertook the drilling works, and GWI, which installed the distribution system. Works included drilling a 6-inch PVC water well, installing 1.5 kilometres of distribution network, and constructing a photovoltaic pumping system to ensure sustainability. A 25ft by 25ft chain-link fence was also built to secure the facility, while 15 standpipes were installed across the community to increase access points.

Minister Croal, in his remarks, underscored the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to clean water, noting that this project is one of many initiatives designed to bring equity in service delivery.

“We are working aggressively to ensure that by 2030, all Guyanese, regardless of their geographic location, will have access to safe and reliable water,” the Minister said.
The commissioning of the Skyland well forms part of the Ali administration’s pledge to ensure sustainable development in Indigenous and hinterland communities, bridging the gap between the coast and the interior.