THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) yesterday said that it has uncovered in excess of 600 illegal water service connections following the launch of its ‘Stamp Out Tampering’ Campaign. According to GWI’s Billing and Revenue Control Manager, Julie Ragnauth, the company has received reports of an alarming number of illegal connections countrywide, which included areas in Georgetown and Berbice.
Festival City, Tucville, North Ruimveldt and South Ruimveldt tampered in the city; while Tain and Clifton, Port Mourant, tampered the most in Berbice.
All illegal connections were verified and delinquent customers sanctioned with tampering penalties.
The Billing Manager further stated that the water company was appreciative of the large number of customers who reported illegal connections and indicated that the significant response may lead to an extension of the campaign which commenced in July, 2012 and offers customers reporting illegal activities a cash reward which is credited to their GWI water service account.
During the first week of the campaign, the company waived all tampering charges which resulted in a tepid response from customers with illegal connections; however the number of customers reporting illegal connections within their community was significant, GWI said.
Presently, GWI continues to urge customers to report water theft by contacting GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on 227-8701.  All calls will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Customers with questions about the campaign can visit GWI online at gwiguyana.com, e-mail customercallcentre@gwi.gy or post via social media at www.facebook.com/everydropcountsgy