GWI could use more effective disconnection methods

Dear Editor,

I wish to submit the following for the consideration of Guyana Water Inc, the Ministry of Public Works, Roads Division and the Ministry of Regional Development, whose town councils and NDCs are responsible for internal streets.

The present method used by GWI in disconnecting and re-connecting the water supply of consumers is to dig a hole leading to the main line to which the connection is made, disconnect it then refill the hole; when the customer makes good his account, a hole is once more dug, the line reconnected and the hole filled. Here lies my concern.

Most of the water distribution lines are alongside roads and streets and are about 3 feet below the surface. To get to the customer’s connection, a hole about 2-3 feet square is dug then refilled. When the hole is refilled it is not compact, thus leaving a mound which settles over time.

It is my view – the engineers can say whether I am right or wrong – that when vehicles, especially heavy vehicles, pass by the hole, and there may be many such holes in close proximity, the foundation of the road may tend to move towards the hollow area, thus affecting the firmness of the foundation of the road/street which over time may cause the road to sink or break.

I wish to suggest, if I may, that GWI explore other methods of disconnection which could be easier, less destructive and cleaner; muddy water could get into the pipes with the present method. Cannot the ¼” pipe leading to the customer’s yard be cut and a gate valve with a padlock be installed and a thimble used to rejoin the pipe when necessary? The customer must bear the cost. This will save GWI man hours and make disconnection easier and a more effective tool.

I wish to suggest also, that when GWI is laying pipes in a housing area and connecting residents            that they do connections for empty lots also with a gate valve and padlock so that when the owner eventually needs water the street will not have to be dug up.

Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Akeel