– Mayor wants water billing system postponed

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) commissioned its first commercial office in Lethem,

Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Wednesday, the first of its kind in a hinterland area.

Prior to the opening of this office, residents would travel to Georgetown in order to make simple queries about the availability and sanitation of water. There was also no billing system so persons had access to free water, which in some instances contributed to wastage.

With the arrangements now in place, GWI will be able to regularise the system and persons will be able to pay their bills and enquire about a problem without having to travel to Georgetown. The office is also equipped with a mini laboratory, which will be used by engineers and other trained persons to conduct tests on the water supplied to the region, so as to ensure that there is no contamination.

Aside from its generic benefits, the office will also provide employment for 11 persons from the region, who were trained by GWI. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, in his remarks, noted that the office is a step in bridging the gap between Coastland and Hinterland areas.
“We are seeking to address the inequities that exist between the two areas because it is one country and all persons should be able to have equal access to everything that is offered, especially by the public sector,” said the GWI boss.

Days before the office was commissioned, GWI held a two-day solar-power training programme to certify 27 persons from various indigenous villages. They were taught how to deal with and report on issues affecting the solar-powered water wells, which provide water to over 50 villages in Region Nine.

The GWI’s initiative was lauded by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock. Both Ministers reiterated the benefits that will follow because of the establishment of the office in that region.

Minister Hastings pointed out that the office is the first of its kind in a hinterland region, as she encouraged GWI to install more facilities in other hinterland areas.

HOLD THE BILLING
Meanwhile, the leaders of the village requested that the billing system be postponed until villagers are properly educated about the process.
Lethem’s Mayor, Carlton Beckles and Regional Chairman of Region Nine, Brian Allicock asked GWI to address some of their concerns before fully implementing the billing system.
“We want to be able to know how we can justify whether we are being charged correctly for the usage of water,” said Allicock.

He suggested that a sensitisation programme be held with residents of the region in order to educate them on how to measure the water they consume. Both leaders however pointed out that the residents of Region Nine will have no issue with paying the rates once the concerns are addressed. Meanwhile, GWI officials noted that the residents’ request will be taken into consideration.