Harsh dry weather continues to plague Wakapoa

Apr 03, 2018 News

Residents of Wakapoa, Lower Pomeroon, Region Two, continue to feel the blunt effects of the harsh dry weather, which continues to plague the community for some month.
Wakapoa is an indigenous community, located some 35 miles north of Charity, Pomeroon, Region Two. With a population of about 3000 residents scattered between its three islands, this riverine community has grown increasingly dependent on water for farming, transportation, washing and even consumption.
According the community’s Toshao, Errol Williams, the dry season has already taken an effect on the three Wakapoa islands.
The Toshao said, “The dry season has already plagued our three islands where we actually have three schools, including a secondary school.”
Kaieteur News understands that children would usually canoe to school via the savannah creeks. The Toshao noted that canoeing to school is now a challenge for student since the creeks are now slushy due to the consistent heat.
This community is predominantly a farming community, where most farmers depend on the produce from their farmers as a source of income. The Toshao noted that farmers have already complained about the withering of vegetation.
Unlike the Coastlanders, residents in Pomeroon have no access to GWI. As the Toshao explained, the custom is for the people to store water by means of water tanks. This supply of water is then used primarily for cooking and drinking. With the absence of the rains, however, sourcing water for drinking and cooking also becomes a challenge.
This publication was informed that three wells are installed on each of the three islands in the Wakapoa community. The Toshao explained that these wells were dug some six years back but little effort was made to maintain them.
Toshao Williams added, “Of the three wells, only one really produced water, but due to water mismanagement there is hardly any water left in the one well… People would usually boil this water, treat it and use it for cooking and drinking.”
The Ministry of Agriculture issued a release earlier this month, indicating that severe drought is expected to hit the northern parts of Guyana, until the end of April. The Toshao noted that intervention by Government authority at this point is most needed. [Romario Blair.]

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