Hope Flows in Hururu village
Clean Water on the Horizon for Students and Residents
In the heart of Guyana’s hinterland, where the Berbice River winds its way through lush forests and quiet communities, a silent but powerful transformation is taking place in the small village of Hururu. For decades, clean water was a luxury the residents of this Indigenous village, over 200 kilometres from Georgetown, could only dream of. But now, that dream is close to reality.
Thanks to a partnership between Tubacex- a Spanish Pipeline Company, UNICEF, and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the long-neglected well within the Hururu school compound is being resuscitated, promising a future where nearly 300 students and over 90 nearby households will have access to safe, reliable water.
For the children of Hururu’s nursery, primary, and secondary schools, the return of clean water means more than hydration, it means dignity, health, and the freedom to learn in a safe and hygienic environment.
“The well was underproducing, and there was a foul odor,” explained Mr. Rensford Joseph, Sanitation Manager at GWI. “We're airlifting… the well to increase yield and disinfecting it to improve water quality. Once done, it will supply enough water to feed the entire school compound and neighbouring households.”
Currently, the school and community rely on untreated river water or rainwater, both of which carry risks. The school uses a gasoline-driven to pump water from the river to flush toilets and for handwashing.
The new water system will be powered by solar energy, ensuring a consistent supply of clean water while reducing emissions. Water storage tanks are also being installed, supporting the resilience of the schools and the community in the face of climate-induced challenges such as prolonged droughts.
Mr. Giddeon Hartman, a teacher and council member of the village, said the community is watching the project’s progress with hope and anticipation. “This would be a real plus for our village, especially the lower end, which has gone years without potable water,” Hartman said. “It will really improve how we live and how our children learn.”
Hururu is one of many rural and hinterland communities in Guyana that continue to fall short of global targets for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools. Nearly half of interior households still face the reality of contaminated water. But this project, part of a larger WASH initiative that includes similar upgrades in other schools and communities, marks a significant step toward closing that gap.
The project supports Guyana’s efforts to meet UN SDG 6- ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and GWI’s plans to expand WASH services in vulnerable areas.
For Hururu’s students and residents, restoring the well means more than just clean water. It means improved health, safety, and opportunities for children and families.
