Water utility floats valves promotion

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) yesterday launched a promotion which will see float valves being installed in 500 customers’ water tanks.

The company is currently involved in a water conservation campaign aimed at educating customers and this is one of its initiatives.

At a press conference held at the water utility’s head office yesterday, GWI Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin disclosed that the promotion, among others, is being held in observance of World Water Day on March 22, which is being observed under the theme ‘Coping with Water Scarcity’.

According to the press statement issued, the GWI Giveaway promotion will see the installation of 500 float valves, which prevent the overflow of water tanks (black tanks) and toilets. It noted that half of the water produced by GWI is wasted and “the use of ‘water wise’ devices, such as the float valve, is imperative at a time when the prolonged dry season has depleted the Lamaha Canal which supplies customers of Georgetown through our shelter belt treatment plant”.

To enter the promotion, from today, customers who pay their bills at any GWI Customer Service location throughout the country will receive an entry coupon which they must fill in and return for the chance to win one of the 500 free float valves with free installation by the company.

There will be two drawings for customers on the East Bank, East Coast, West Bank and West Coast Demerara and Georgetown, the first of which will be held on April 30. Entries for that drawing, which will be held at the company’s customer service office on Vlissengen Road, will close on April 27. Entries for the last drawing will be closed on May 25 and winners will be announced on May 28.

Meanwhile, entries for customers in Berbice and Linden will close on May 17 with the winners being selected the next day while for Essequibo and Bartica customers the entry deadline is May 25 with the winners being selected on May 28.

Leakage Manager of the company Aubrey Roberts noted that chronic water wastage is a major problem encountered by the company. He said the installation of the valves will see lower service charges for those who are metered.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the company was alarmed at the low level of the Lamaha canal though with the recent rainfall the water level has risen to 52.9 feet. The normal level is 53 feet and customers are urged to conserve water.

Additionally, apart from the GWI Giveaway promotion, the company will collaborate with Banks DIH in April for a special Breakfast Giveaway. Applicable to customers within Georgetown, this giveaway will see those who pay all arrears within the first quarter of this year receiving a free ticket for breakfast at any Banks DIH location within the city.

GWI will also host a World Water Day workshop on March 22 at the company’s head office.

Queries can be answered by calling 227-8701 or alternatively emailing the company at pro@gwiguyana.com or visiting the website at www.gwiguyana.com.