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GWI disinfects Tapakuma Well in response to Typhoid outbreak
Rusted water supply from the Tapakuma water lines
In response to recent reports on a Typhoid outbreak in the Tapakuma Village, the Guyana Water Incorporation [GWI] recently intervened in testing, and disinfecting the Community’s drinking well.
The small indigenous community of Tapakuma, located some seven miles aback the Essequibo Coast, was recently plagued by a Typhoid outbreak. According to reports from the Community Health Centre, about one dozen persons displayed symptoms of Typhoid, with the majority testing positive for the infection.
This publication understands that the Regional Administration dug a well, previously, to serve to the community. It was revealed, however, that the aging well was high in iron content in the drinking water. This has since prompted villagers of this indigenous community, to dig their own ponds to aid in sourcing water.
As the Guyana Water Incorporated remedied the situation, it was discovered that distribution network within the community consisted of pipelines that were not of the appropriate size. Even more interesting was the fact that these pipelines were laid down improperly four years earlier, with no flush-out points.
According to GWI, the high levels of iron compounded the situation, causing incrustation and a reduction in the diameter of the pipes. This, they claim, resulted in persons at the end of the network receiving a low level of service.
The water company, in an effort to upgrade the current network, reduced the iron content in the water by flushing and rodding out the lines where necessary, disinfected lines and installed flush out valves.
Two water trestles are also connected to the community well, [each trestle bears four tanks]. GWI has confirmed that just one set of these tanks was clean, noting that the others were inaccessible at the time.
The Toshao was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the tanks are cleaned every three months to maintain the improved water quality.
GWI noted that it will continue to monitor the water supply system in Tapakuma, so that residents can enjoy improved water quality access. [Romario Blair]
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