SWM and partners bring clean drinking water to Mata

The water purification facility in the village of Mata in the Para district has been commissioned. The old water station, managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, was not able to meet the demand for drinking water. Therefore, the Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM) together with the village and partners, including the Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs of Suriname, the Indigenous Peoples’ Sustainable Development Agency and the Para District Commissioner, worked on the realization of this new drinking water treatment plant.

The water supply facility was commissioned on Saturday in the presence of President Chan Santokhi, SWM Director General Clifton Lienga and Kabalebo District Commissioner Josta Lewis. The installation marks a major milestone in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6, by providing healthy and reliable drinking water to the community.

SWM director Lienga said the plant will soon be expanded with two more wells to further ensure water supply. The move is part of a wider strategy to support inland communities and prepare for future development, similar to successful projects implemented in partnership with UNDP in Wanhati, Kwakuglong, Kasi Pola and Redidoti, Suriname Communications Services reported.

President Santokhi praised the efforts of SWM and its partners to realize this important facility. “Clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a key pillar of sustainable development,” the Head of State stressed. The President also spoke about broader government initiatives, including the IMF’s plans to mobilize financial resources for infrastructure and social projects, which include addressing land issues and promoting land rights.

The SWM director stressed the importance of sustainability in the water supply in Mata. As such, SWM aims to operate a market-based business by the end of 2025. Discussions have already taken place with the village government and it has been made clear that water will be paid for. He also noted the involvement of local workers in Mata. “We have also hired people from Mata who have been trained in plant operations to ensure that the village has a 24-hour supply of drinking water,” Lienga said.