$52M Water Supply Systems Commissioned in Rukumuta and Tiperu
-Access to potable water now at 95% in both villages
April 6, 2025 – Residents in the remote South Pakaraimas villages of Rukumuta and Tiperu in Region Nine are now experiencing significantly improved access to clean and reliable water, following the commissioning of new water supply systems by the Minister of Housing and Water, the Collin Croal.
The commissioning ceremonies took place on Thursday and were attended by Regional Vice-Chairman Mr. Bertie Xavier, Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Hinterland Services Director Mr. Ramchand Jailal, and other officials, who joined the local communities in celebrating the milestone.
In Rukumuta, located approximately 28 miles from central Karasabai and home to 329 residents, only about half of the population previously had access to potable water through a combination of a drilled well, elevated storage, and natural springs. That has now changed following a $30 million investment executed by Q&A Construction.
The project provided a modern water supply system that includes an upgraded distribution network, elevated storage, and service connections throughout the village—raising water access to 95%.
Tiperu, the oldest village in the Karasabai sub-district with around 350 residents, also saw a major improvement.
Water coverage in the village jumped from just 32% to 95%, thanks to a $22 million project that involved drilling a new well, expanding the existing distribution system, and connecting more households to the network. The initiative was executed in collaboration with the Village Council.
Minister Croal reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to closing infrastructure gaps and bringing development to all parts of the country.
“The work we are doing reflects our government’s commitment to bridging development gaps and empowering communities,” remarked the Minister.
During the visit, the Minister also commissioned a third water system in Yurong Paru, raising coverage there to 95% as well. That project was completed at a cost of $23 million.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Housing and Water to improve water access across Guyana’s hinterland communities—ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, benefit from basic and essential services.
