Residents of Aracuru in the Mabaruma sub-district of Region One are celebrating a major milestone as a new $15 million well delivers first-time access to clean and reliable potable water for approximately 100 households. The project, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Water and executed by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in collaboration with the local community, marks a significant step forward in improving living standards and public health in the hinterland.

The initiative features the drilling of a 6-inch PVC water well, the installation of about 3.5 kilometres of distribution network, and the construction of a photovoltaic pumping system to ensure a sustainable water supply. The facility is also secured with a 30ft by 25ft chain-link fence. This comprehensive approach ensures that all 75 households in Aracuru, as well as 20 additional households across the Aracuru Bridge, now benefit from safe, piped water for the first time.

At the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable water access, describing water as a fundamental right and highlighting ongoing investments to close the gap between hinterland and coastal communities. Regional officials and community leaders joined residents in celebrating the achievement, which brings 100 percent water coverage to the village.

This project is part of a broader government strategy to provide 100 percent access to potable water in hinterland communities by the end of 2025, with dozens of new wells planned and under construction across Region One. The successful completion of the Aracuru well underscores the administration’s dedication to enhancing community well-being and supporting sustainable development in Guyana’s remote regions.