The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) yesterday said that frequent power outages in Regions Five and Six have resulted in disruptions at its pump stations in the areas.

A release from the water company said that its pump stations are unable to operate at their scheduled times because of the “errant power supply received,” and as a result potable water supply to residents in the area has been disrupted.

According to the release the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) has since indicated that it is working toward rectifying the problems so that the water company’s operations can be significantly improved and service levels restored. The water company said that it has resolved to activate a 24-hour timer mode at the pump stations which would enable it to capitalise on the required power supply when available for operation. This, it was stated, poses a risk to the company’s equipment as they become vulnerable to the fluctuation in power supply.

The release said that while the power supplied by GPL may be suitable for domestic consumption it is inadequate for the company’s operation of electrical pumps.

As a result, GPL, the release said, had agreed to provide three phases at 415 volts each to GWI’s pump stations but this has not begun to happen and each electricity phase according to GWI’s estimation has been recording different levels. The company will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary input to assist in alleviating the problems faced by the residents. The company also apologised for the inconvenience that the situation has caused its customers.