An elderly East Street, South Cummings-burg resident is waiting on the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to bring him relief from overflowing sewage at his home, but promises by the utility company have not been honoured.
Maurice Brown, 82, told Stabroek News that he and his wife, along with his three tenants, who live in the bottom flat of the house, are seriously affected by the overflow in the gully, which is causing an unbearable stench.
He explained that he first noted the problem at his 331 East Street, South Cummingsburg home early in September and he reported it to GWI almost two weeks later. It responded three days later. “They connected two pieces of hose and push but it didn’t completely clear, it only reduced,” Brown explained. He then hired Cevon’s Waste Management to address the situation and paid the company $6,500 but they too were unable to clear the area. He said Cevon’s advised him that GWI would have to address it.
Brown said since that time he has called the GWI every day for more assistance, only to be given a number of promises that have not been fulfilled. “Everyday, me and my wife calling them and they keep saying they’ll come but they never show up,” he said. He noted that his wife is a seamstress, and continues to get complaints from her clients who are forced to put up with the stink when they visit.
The man also said he is unable to comfortably use his washroom, fearing it will worsen the situation. “I can’t bathe properly. I have to use very little water so that much won’t go into the yard… because of this too; I’m holding back my bowel motions. Every two days I am using the toilet,” he said. Brown also said he and his wife can no longer use their staircase at the back, which leads to the area, and they have been forced to remove their clothing line from the southern side of the building. “This is a very serious matter…even the dog don’t walk there. He stays clear of it,” Brown added.
When this newspaper contacted GWI Public Relations Officer on Tuesday he said he was busy with Diwali preparations and could not comment.
