Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has indicated plans to increase the number of water distribution trucks for Sophia residents, in light of complaints by some that they were forced to resort to using trench water for domestic purposes due to the inadequate supply they were receiving.
‘E’ Field, Sophia residents told Stabroek News on Monday that the delayed furnishing of a GWI well in area had left them without an adequate water supply. At that time, the street was lined with buckets and drums, while residents patiently awaited the arrival of a “water truck” contracted by the GWI to temporarily supply water to residents in the area.
In a statement issued yesterday, GWI, referencing the Stabroek News report, noted that the issue of water supply in the area comes as a result of a conflict between the schedule for water distribution and the availability of residents.
“GWI has found that some residents are unable to receive water from the trucks sent to their area because they are not at home during the time that water is being delivered. To date, four trucks filled with 450gl black tanks of water are sent to ‘D’ and ‘E’ Fields, Sophia between 8:00 and 17:30 hrs, with 16 trips being made daily,” it noted.
However, GWI acknowledges the difficulty for the working population and has taken steps to cater to their needs, the statement added.
As a result, it will be increasing the number of trucks sent into Sophia and adjusting its distribution schedule to facilitate those who are not at home during the day.
Additionally, GWI noted that the ongoing project in which transmission mains are being installed from North Ruimveldt to ‘D’ and ‘E’ Fields, Sophia, is 80% complete. This project will help to alleviate poor water supply to residents, the statement said.
“GWI apologizes to our customers for any inconvenience caused and wishes to thank your publication for consistently highlighting the issues which affect our customers,” it concluded.
A resident had told Stabroek News that while the water truck traverse the area daily, most of them receive water from the truck every other day, while those who were not at home when the truck passed were left without.
This, the residents said, had forced some persons to resort to using water from nearby trenches for domestic purposes, including bathing.
Another resident pointed out that there seems to be no limit on how much water one resident could receive at any given time from the truck as some persons showed no consideration for other villagers and filled as much as they could. This claim was substantiated when Stabroek News observed one resident filling four drums while another was seen filling several small buckets before the truck continued down the street.
Residents contended that the current supply of water in the area is insufficient and they expected that the situation would only get worse when the new school term begins.
