The Ministry of Housing and Water says improving water supply countrywide is a priority even as it investigates claims of favouritism in the distribution of potable water in Region Three.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt told residents of Sister’s Village and other communities in the region, who say that the water distribution has been selective, that an investigation will be launched. Nawbatt said disciplinary action will be taken against the offenders.
Meanwhile, the new La Grange well is operable and is providing water to a large number of persons in the area. However, because the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is still working on strengthening the distribution networks water has not been distributed to some areas, Nawbatt said. In the interim, water is delivered via trucks to the communities.
The minister also advised residents to report to the GWI head office or commercial outlets when they do not get water. “We are quite clear that anybody who is not receiving water from GWI’s system [the company] will investigate the complaints thoroughly and the necessary action will be taken,” Nawbatt said. He indicated too that the ministry intends to improve the metering system, which is included in GWI’s “turn around” plan to resolve the concerns of estimated billing cost. This will ensure better accountability of water delivered and used.
The minister also advised persons to read their meters and inform the utility company if there are any discrepancies with their bills, in terms of overcharging. This will enable GWI to send someone to inspect the meter and resolve the situation. The company plans to read meters of large commercial users once per month and some other categories of customers will have their meters read every quarter or every five to six months.
Consumers are advised that if they receive estimates that are more that the actual amount consumed they should make a report at GWI’s offices.
