Kato residents get improved access to potable water

Residents of Kato Village, Region Eight, have received support to improve access to potable water, with each household receiving a water tank to securely store their supply.

During a recent visit to the community, President Irfaan Ali received requests from residents to improve access to potable water, and in response, he swiftly provided a tank to every household.

The water tanks were officially handed over by the Regional Chairman of Region Eight, Headley Pio.
During the 2025 National Budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, stated that access to potable water in the hinterland increased from 46 per cent in 2020 to 91 per cent in 2024.

This, he explained, was achieved through the drilling of 130 wells in hinterland areas, along with the installation of new and extended water distribution systems in 102 communities, benefitting over 40,000 residents.
In 2024, 56 new wells were drilled in areas including Campbelltown, Falmouth, Hackney, Kamwatta, Lower Bonasika Creek, Mahdia, Pai Pang, Quebanang, Taushida, and Wikki–Calcuni, benefitting over 10,000 residents.
Additionally, 24 communities had water distribution systems installed in areas such as Jawalla, Mabaruma Settlement, Marlborough, Santa Rosa, and Tiperu, benefitting over 8,000 residents.

Dr Singh further highlighted that in 2025, work will commence on wells in several areas, including Baramita, Eyelash, Issano, Itabali, Kabakaburi, and Red Hill, with the completion of water distribution systems in Caria Caria, Hobodiah, Monkey Mountain, St Anselm, and Tassawini.

Furthermore, new water supply systems are slated for Arsawa, Barabina, Kangaruma, Karrau, Pennak, Phillipai, Thomas Hill, and Tobago Hill, for which a total sum of $2.2 billion has been allocated in 2025.