Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2004

The Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Shaik Baksh expressed satisfaction with the progress of works in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice). The Minister made a visit to the area on Friday, January 23, 2004.
Minister Baksh expressed satisfaction with the progress at Amelia’s Ward Phase One where the road network is under construction at a cost of $207M. Pipelines are being laid at a cost of $61M and works are reported to be at 45 percent. It is expected that the project will be completed in April.
At Phase Two Amelia’s Ward a number of roads will be built this year to allow access to the lots in the area.
Minister Baksh visited several squatter settlements which will be incorporated under the Squatter Regularization programme this year. Minister Baksh visited Lower Cara Cara, Industrial Area (East), Wisroc 590C, Amelia’s Ward South, Surapana and Canvas City. Block 22 Blueberry Hill is already under the programme.
The Minister visited the Blueberry Hill water project and expressed dissatisfaction with progress since some areas are not receiving water. Minister Baksh said he informed the Guyana Water Incorporated to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible so that the areas can receive a proper supply of water.
The first Water Action Committee was established at Blueberry Hill and the Committee will liaise with the Ministry to sort out grievances and ensure that areas enjoy a proper water supply.
The contract amounting to $4M was awarded to Toolsie Persaud which includes the installation of a new transmission line to Block 22, Linden to improve the level of service in that area.
The project, which is being funded from a recent $200M European Union grant, is expected to ensure that the level of service will improve significantly in the affected areas. The project entails the installation of a new mechanical and electrical plant at the Wisroc Water Treatment Plant.
The project design caters for additional future households to be connected to the water distribution system since Blueberry Hill and Block 22 are expanding housing areas.
Minister Baksh met approximately 50 pensioners when they discussed the reduction of water tariffs for pensioners in the area. He outlined the procedure for residents of Linden.
The Minister said that last year Cabinet approved water tariff assistance for people who cannot afford to pay. People who qualify can get between 50 to 100 percent assistance. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has been tasked with the responsibility of implementing system.
Forms have been sent to areas across the country and people who want to be considered for assistance have to complete the forms then officers from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security would assess whether persons are eligible for 50 or 100 percent assistance. A Committee was set up to interview people and assess who would qualify. Then a list would be made out and submitted to GWI after which GWI will offer the necessary assistance.
In many parts of Linden residents are enjoying a satisfactory water supply while in some areas people not getting any.
Minister Baksh urged residents to ensure that they pay their water rates so that GWI could continue to maintain and improve the water supply.