Application to be publicised
An application by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) for a tariff consolidation has been suspended by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) pending further consultations.

At a public hearing held yesterday at the Law Library of the Supreme Court, Charlotte Street, Chairman of the  PUC  Justice Prem Persaud said that the tariff consolidation  and the tariff rates for various categories  applied for by the GWI should  be made public via the local media.

The water utility has asked the commission to approve the introduction of a ‘security deposit’ for subscribers to the service, the introduction of a ‘fixed charge ‘component to the tariff as well as the billing of Unmetered Customers on a quarterly basis from this month, among other initiatives.

Many persons attended yesterday’s hearing including consumer advocates and private water distributors. Some consumers used the opportunity to voice concerns about the services offered by the water utility  including the receipt of estimated bills from the company even though personnel from the company have been reading their meters.

The PUC chairman said that customers who may have complaints about the services offered by the GWI should visit the commission at its 298, Church Street, Queenstown office.
GWI Public Relations Officer, Rawle Aaron noted that there has been a glitch in the company’s computer system and persons who may have received bills for the month of April, 2009 are asked to disregard such bills.

Another public hearing will be held on May 8 at a time and place to be announced.