Berbicians who were protesting the level of service offered by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) at the ‘Government comes to you’ event in Berbice last week, did not raise their concerns with the utility despite it having a presence at the event, GWI says.
In a statement, the utility also defended its service in Region Six. The statement noted that articles published in the April 17th editions of the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News quoted protestors who spoke about concerns they were having with GWI. They were at the time picketing in front of the University of Guyana’s Tain campus, where the ‘Government comes to you’ event was held on April 16.
“Despite this, none of these concerns were raised at GWI’s booth during the event,” the statement said.
It observed that among the issues reported was GWI’s move to disconnect customers who owe. “However, GWI wishes to remind customers that they are given a timeline to settle their outstanding balances, which expires on a given due date. Prior to disconnection, efforts are made by GWI to call customers and remind them of their obligation to pay for the water service they receive. Notices are also publicised using various media such as newspapers and social media to remind customers of their impending due date. It is only after these efforts are exhausted and due dates are passed, that GWI resorts to disconnection, at which point it reserves the right to do so,” the statement said.
It added that as it relates to no water access in Albion, Fryish, Number One Village and the surrounding areas, there was an intermittent water supply in the first week of April due to a voltage imbalance from the Guyana Power and Light. The statement said that an advisory was publicised to this effect.
“GWI however refutes claims of a reduced level of service in Whim Village, Corentyne as was related by one protestor. GWI has been monitoring the supply to that village and surrounding areas and there have been no irregularities in recent times,” the utility asserted.
It invited Berbice residents to visit or call either of its offices in Chesney – 322-0477, New Amsterdam – 333-2738 or Springlands – 335-4446, to raise any queries or make a report “as the company tries its utmost to improve its service to customers.”
