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– Need potable water, better health care The recent gastroenteritis outbreak in Port Kaituma that claimed the lives of four children is etched in the minds of residents,Enrique Hernandez Dodgers Jersey, who are demanding potable water, improved health care and better road infrastructure from the Administration.This was revealed during a public meeting held by the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization (GWMO) at Port Kaituma Community Centre,Chile Soccer Jersey, Region One yesterday. There seems to be mixed theories as how the water got polluted but there is a common feeling that Government needs to provide well dug potable water for residents.Section of the gathering at Port Kaituma Community Centre.According to Simona Broomes, President of GWMO, children, residents and miners of Port Kaituma deserve better than what Government is currently offering them.Port Kaituma is a mining district that contributes significantly to Guyana’s economy and it is only fitting that Government helps to develop the area with a portion of wealth that is generated, she added.Broomes said that the loss of lives could have been prevented if Government had invested in the provision of potable water and better health system to residents. Something as vital as water, which is needed for human existence should have never been compromised.Residents explained that their water is pumped from Port Kaituma River head,Ken Boyer Cardinals Jersey, where mining is being executed. And, this is where the contention lies with residents and miners.According to a resident,Brett Hull Red Wings Jersey, miners operating in the area polluted the waterways. Apparently,Yu Darvish Rangers Jersey, the water supply was shut-off for two weeks to facilitate mining. And,St. Louis Cardinals Trevor Rosenthal Jersey, residents found that period difficult since treated water is costly. She stressed that the solution to Port Kaituma’s water woes is a deep well to pump potable water through pipelines.But, a female miner, Margaret,Fred Lynn Red Sox Jersey, who operates at the Port Kaituma River head vehemently refuted that heartless miners are polluting the waterways. She argued that miners have been operating in the area for years, according to Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s regulations.She claimed that when the sanitation team tested samples of water from the Port Kaituma River Head and the Four Mile areas it was found that the Four Miles had the presence of the E.coli bacteria.As such, this is a vindication for miners operating at the River head. She also believes potable water is needed.However, weeks ago Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Inc, Shaik Baksh,San Francisco Giants Sergio Romo Jersey, said that plans are in the pipeline to improve the water system in Port Kaituma.Baksh had said that Government is currently working on a plan to have clean portable water in Port Kaituma, but he could not say when the study will be concluded. He explained that because of the geological makeup of the mining district, a water well will not be feasible; but if something has to be done,Kirk Gibson Orioles Jersey, there will be a water treatment system as in the case of Bartica, where water is supplied from the Essequibo River through a water treatment system.According to Broomes, the water being supplied by Bartica is brown and is unacceptable to drink. |
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