Karrau Village gets first water distribution network

Residents of the Amerindian Community of Karrau, Region Seven will for the first time have a water distribution network installed to supply homes, a primary school and health centre with safe water. The water well which was officially opened yesterday was a solution to a major problem which severely affected the lives of residents. During a ceremony commemorating the opening, Toshao of Karrau, Bertille Thomas, said that residents of the community used a creek which runs near the village as their main source of water. However, for a number of years the creek has been contaminated due to mining operations. As a result of the contamination, Thomas said that residents began to complain and protest for the provision of safe water for their families. According to the Toshao, Karrau began as a timber grant in the 1940s. “After the grant, it became popular; workers in the end found a home here in Karrau, so that is how the village originated. In those days, the villagers used to enjoy the natural resources of the creek water, for bathing, washing and fishing and for many years, over 40 years, I average, from 1940s to 1990s, everyone was very happy, then very recently, the water became contaminated due to mining activities.” In April last year, tests done at the creek confirmed that contamination was at an alarming level. The turbidity of the water was very high, muddy and unfit for human consumption. Protest against this state of affairs ensued to the extent that the roadway was blocked preventing miners from accessing their mining operations located further up the Mazaruni River. According to Thomas, everyone depended heavily on the creek water. He said that following protests he met with Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. VanWest Charles, and sought a way out of the problem.

(kaieteurnewsonline)