Why does the water company give estimated bills for metered consumers?

Dear Editor,

I am still at a loss as to how the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) can give estimated water consumption for metered consumers. Why does GWI attach meters and still give (over)estimated readings? What then is the use of the meters?

Recently, my father and sister had their water supply disconnected for non-payment of water bills. In December of last year they were told that they owed GWI $19,000. Lo and behold, the disconnection crew turned up on March 17 and told them they they owed $181,000 and then proceeded to disconnect the supply.