We are still living in a time in Guyana when people can be without water for hours, days and weeks. It is like the emergency repairs are never permanently resolved and the maintenance has not resulted in better service. Spreading through the regions is ineptitude in the name of progress; yet the progress many speak of can feel like we are still learning to walk on this land that produces plenty; learning to climb the palms producing coconuts to quench our thirst and sweeten our pots; and learning to navigate the rivers of the land of many waters. Are the skills and vision lacking here to have systems in place that will not result in the interruption of the flow of water for hours, days and weeks leaving people distressed and angry? How is our social and economic development affected when these essential services are still so poorly managed? How do they magically solve these issues in other countries?
Just before the Easter holidays this was the reality for residents of Georgetown. But when one peruses the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Facebook page one will see that people throughout the country are dissatisfied with the service they are providing. Whether it is low water pressure, or the flow of water being interrupted and GWI being slow to fix, it is all in the comments. But just before Easter, a hole opened at Church and East streets to fix old pipes. For two days people were without water or low pressure and when complaints were made, the arrogance in some of the responses on GWI’s Facebook page revealed once again that Guyanese are expected to endure and accept the minimum. What a lovely public relations team – sarcastic and disingenuous in some of their responses to distressed customers, standing proudly on the arrogance that is seen in many places in Guyana. But it is what we have grown to expect and accept. At least they respond sometimes some will say, and thankfully sometimes seem to genuinely want to help customers resolve their issues.
Guyana is a place of desperation. A place where mediocre is often the standard. We see it in some of the people we call our leaders, square pegs in round holes in every section of the society leaving us buckling at the knees and not able to stand strong as a country. But certainly, one issue we should not be grappling with in 2023 is the guaranteed flow of water from our taps or the quality of the water. Clear or brown the water, one can never be sure. And what is even worse is that when the people complain they are often blamed for the failures of the services they pay for. The people are told to store water during the long disruptions even though often people are not notified if they do not frequent GWI’s Facebook page. I am not certain if announcements are made on the radio or television for, I have not heard or seen any. But is it too much for them to send out text messages to have a wider reach when they are to announce these disruptions?
Even when the water people store is on the low and we are desperate to refill we are somehow held culpable for not being prepared. Not every family has a black tank. Not every family can afford a black tank. Owning black tanks will not solve the incompetence of a company such as GWI. Some may say at least we are not fetching buckets on our heads from village pipes anymore. Maybe most of us are not, but I am sure it still occurs in parts of Guyana.
Was the hard life many of us have endured from birth meant to toughen us? Has it? In this land of the docile who often only complain when they are directly affected or remain silent because of fear, are we tough? The trauma of living in Guyana is never-ending. These costs for our comfort and sanity are too much.
Over the Easter Holidays, after the hole on Church and East streets and the men hard at work, the water pressure was excellent – at least in the area where I live. In my delusion I may have wasted a thought that for a while there might not be water issues. But alas, somehow after the crowds would have gathered, the picnics would have been had and the kites would have flown, the water pressure has been low.
Before 2021 the water flowed all day and night (at least where I live) even though the pressure would be low during certain periods; now sometimes in the middle of the night, one may use the restroom and there might not be a drop from the taps to wash one’s hands. A late-night shower might not be had. GWI’s incompetence creates situations where people’s hygiene is affected and often their livelihoods.
Since 2021, the cost for water has increased but the service being provided has declined. With the cost of living having increased I suppose it was expected that we would be paying more for water, but where is the service to match it?
GWI is not the only poorly performing utility company. As I write this, the second blackout has occurred for the day. Guyana Power and Light (GPL) like GWI are forever maintaining and repairing but never achieving zero blackouts in Guyana. But there is always an excuse for incompetence in Guyana – like rats biting wires that result in blackouts or vehicles running into the poles. But some will say at least we are not sitting in 24 hours blackout like we were sitting in the shadows of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
We continue to dream about how great Guyana will be. I am sure it was the dream of my grandparents’ generation, my parents and now mine. Will my children still be dreaming?
Guyana’s greatness should not be a dream. It should have been achieved. This should not be a developing country but a developed one where the people do not have to worry about dry taps or blackouts. But look at us. In 2023 disruptions in our water supply, low water pressure, and people crying out. Look at us in 2023 still sitting in the heat of the day sweating because of blackout or tossing and turning in the dark at nights wondering if the shadows we may see are the ghosts of our ancestors. This is Guyana. A failed state?
