The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) yesterday said that parapets in Bel Air Village have been “reasonably reinstated” and more work is to follow.
GWI was responding to a letter in Friday’s Stabroek News where it was stated that the village resembled a squatting area following the utility’s upgrade of the water distribution network.
GWI said that its team visited the area where works are currently in progress and conducted an assessment. It was found that the parapets of most of the residents were “reasonably reinstated, and they now have full access to their parapets”.
While there is more work to be done to complete the project, which is to replace very old pipes to ensure the continued provision of clear water, the team is working towards a timeline of one week for full completion.
GWI said that it was disappointing that the sender of the letter did not state his or her name since GWI would have visited residents in the area to address concerns, if any, the utility said.
The letter writer had said that residents living on the western side of the street who parked in front of their homes, were informed that they needed to remove their vehicles.
“We complied. The earth was dug up, along with everything in its path; our bridges were broken and neat strips of concrete that facilitated the parking of our cars were also dismantled. Mud was piled up on the western side, and the broken slabs of concrete from the former parking area, were dumped on the eastern side of the street. The pipes have been laid. Now who is responsible for returning the street to its pristine state? Heaps of mud prevent us from parking in front of our homes. Two vehicles got stuck in the mud. Sand was generously thrown in front of our bridges to help us navigate the pathway”, the letter said.
It added: “This untidy state of affairs caused one neighbour to comment: `this is not a squatting area’ (with due respect to squatters). Thanks for every effort at improvement… but… long story short… (I need some creolese to express my frustration.) `Is when yaal comin’ back to fix back we street, bridges and neatly paved parking areas, like you met them?’ When will we be able to park in front of our houses, again!!”
