Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues has called on the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) management to help facilitate increased access nationwide to potable water as well as enabling 24-hour service.
A GWI release stated that these were part of the minister’s remarks at the Board’s 200th meeting, which was held in the utility’s boardroom yesterday. At the meeting, Rodrigues and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal were informed of the plans and policies implemented by the Board of GWI to date. Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, brought the ministers up to speed on the works executed so far and presented a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis, covering areas such as progress on the improvement of overall water service to customers, plans to boost same, as well as to boost internal communications, work ethics and staff morale. He noted that management is “aggressively” looking at ways to convert its current weaknesses into strengths, which will in turn aid in restoring customer confidence in GWI, thus increasing revenue.
The CEO stated that key risks and challenges that impact the performance of the utility and by extension potable water supply include aging infrastructure, which is “keenly” being addressed, and elements of the environment such as climate change.
In his address to the board members and management, Croal urged that the works outlined in the company’s five-year strategic plan be expedited. These include increasing access to potable water and hours of service, expanding treated water coverage, and improving water quality. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to making the resources available to get the job done expeditiously, and called for the “fast tracking” of the procurement processes, so as to assist in the execution of works.
Croal also spoke of the need to revise plans, such as the establishment of new housing schemes, which cater for the growing needs of society. This, he posited, would require a close working relationship between GWI and the Central Housing and Planning Authority.
Meanwhile, Rodrigues registered her satisfaction with the work put in by GWI since the current government took office and thanked the management and staff for their efforts.
She reiterated Government’s commitment not to increase the current water tariffs in the face of rising fuel prices and cost of living. The minister urged the utility’s management to explore “innovative” ways to generate revenue without having to transfer the burden onto its customers. Further, she called on management to work towards 24-hour water access in the near future while continuing to ensure transparency at the entity at all times.
Chairman of the Board, Ramesh Dookhoo, who chaired the proceedings, also expressed his satisfaction with strides made at the utility to date. He echoed the ministers’ view that continued dedication and hard work will significantly improve GWI’s service to customers, as well as its relationship with them, the release added.
