PUC joins GWI appeal to protect sewerage system
THE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has joined Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) in an appeal for people to desist from dumping material, other than that intended for the sewerage system, in manholes and gullies. In the joint exhortation, they also advised the public to ensure that manholes on their premises are properly covered to avoid unwanted things, such as plastic, cloth and other household waste, from entering and blocking the system. 
The disclosure followed an engagement between the two bodies when GWI responded to the PUC, following the receipt of a number of complaints relating to the overflowing of sewage in Georgetown.
In a release, the PUC said GWI has advised that 13 of the 23 sewerage stations are fully operational but 10 are out of operation due to pumps being clogged.
The release said GWI explained that the clogs resulted from persons dumping but the network should be fully operational by October 31.
In addition, GWI disclosed that a recent project saw the complete rehabilitation of 15 of the 23 sewerage stations and the remaining eight partially rehabilitated.
GWI informed that a new project, expected to commence in January and spawn a five-year period, will see the replacement of the force and water mains which feed the sewerage to the pumps.
The PUC said it views the efficient operation of the sewerage system as vital.
“While we would continue to monitor the performance of the GWI, we acknowledge the important role residents must play in ensuring that the sewerage system is not abused, as it can pose a serious threat to public health,” the PUC release said.