Dear Editor,
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the nation’s supplier of water and sanitation services, wishes to address the concerns stated in the letter published in the Stabroek News, July 22, 2013, page 7 regarding GWI’s service in Bartica (‘Why after nine years is the Bartica water treatment plant not fulfilling its promises?’).
Contrary to the author’s statements, meters were installed during the previous programme to upgrade the Bartica water distribution system. However, the company encountered numerous instances in which these meters were tampered with or removed illegally by customers. In fact, during the current meter installation programme the utility continues to experience resistance from customers who refuse to allow meter installation teams to enter their premises.
This is further compounded by the wanton wastage of water by customers which has resulted in reduced levels of water service. GWI’s Bartica team is consistently required to warn customers with overflowing black tanks or pipes which remain open while customers are not at home. In fact, GWI’s Bartica team has determined that wastage by customers significantly contributes to a lack of adequate water pressure.
Areas in which customers have been warned about wastage include Potaro Road, West Indian Housing Scheme and the Bybarobo area.
The author requested information about GWI’s plans to increase the flow of water. The company commenced an enhancement programme to improve the level of service and quality of water provided to customers of Bartica in June 2013; this programme consists of the construction of a 500 cubic meter storage tank valued in excess of $50 million, the upgrade of service connections and installation of water meters which are valued in excess of $30 million.
The storage facility will have the capacity to store larger quantities of water and hence improve the level of service provided to customers.
It is expected that upon completion of the improvement programme, the customers of Bartica will benefit from extended hours of water service due to the larger storage facility. In addition, the utility will install a transmission main to provide service to the area of Four Miles.
GWI will upgrade water service connections across Bartica which will result in further improvements in the level of service and quality of water provided to customers. Further plans to improve the provision of treated water are planned for 2014; however it must be noted that these enhancements depend on the ability of customers to desist from wastage and embrace the metering programme.
Customers with questions about the Bartica water improvement programme can contact GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on 227-8701, email customercallcentre@ gwi.gy or post via GWI’s Facebook fan-page at www.facebook.com/everydropcountsgy
Yours faithfully,
Timothy Austin
Public Relations Officer
Guyana Water Incorporated
