Tumatumari facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tumatumari
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Village
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 Tumatumari
Location in Guyana
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| Country |  Guyana |
| Region | Potaro-Siparuni |
| Population
(2012)
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| • Total | 86 |
Tumatumari is a small community located in the Potaro-Siparuni Region of Guyana. It sits about 15 kilometers upstream from where the Potaro River meets the Essequibo River.
This area was first settled by the Arawak tribe, who are an Amerindian group. Today, Tumatumari is home to people from many different backgrounds, much like the town of Mahdia. For many years, the main way people earned a living here was through mining, as the area was thought to have a lot of gold and diamonds.
Contents
A Center for Learning and Industry
In 1975, a special center was built in Tumatumari. This was part of the Guyana National Service (GNS). The GNS aimed to teach young people important skills. They focused on farming (agricultural skills) and technical skills.
Factories and Power
Because the land was good for farming, several factories were set up in Tumatumari. These factories used farm products to make other goods. For example, there was a factory that made pencils, another that made matches, and even one that made toothpicks!
To power these factories, a hydro-electric power station was built in Tumatumari in 1957. This station used the force of water to create electricity.
Growth and Change
People were not allowed to live right next to the GNS Centre. However, having electricity available encouraged people to build homes nearby. Amerindian families settled in places like El Paso and Micobie. A small village, or hamlet, called Tumatumari Landing also grew.
The population of the area grew to about 450 people. Many homes were able to get electrical appliances thanks to the power station.
The Power Station Closes
In the late 1980s, the hydro-electric power station stopped working. Because there was no longer electricity, the factories and industries in Tumatumari also had to close down. Many people then moved away from the area to find work elsewhere.
Today, the community mainly relies on mining for its economy. In 2012, the population of Tumatumari was 86 people.
See also
In Spanish: Tumatumari para niños
