SOME 100 Downer Canal residents, in North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, have been without potable water since last Saturday, after a main was ruptured by a Hymac machine cleaning a trench.

The affected persons protested that they began experiencing disruption in their supply over the past week and every effort to contact Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) proved futile.
“For three days, we have been without water,” one woman complained, pointing out that she has three children attending school and it is “rough” because they all have to fetch water early in the morning so they can bathe.
Other complainants claimed they contacted the utility several times but got no response.
GWI Public Relations Officer, Mr. Timothy Austin told the Guyana Chronicle he was not aware of the problem and would look into it as soon as possible.
However, he said GWI had put out an advisory, informing consumers in areas which were experiencing reduced pressure that they were still undertaking emergency maintenance at the Cummings Lodge Well Station, East Coast Demerara and, therefore, some will continue to endure that experience until May 16.
Nevertheless, residents lamented that their supply has reduced to the point where there is none dripping from their pipelines.
They insist that the main ruptured by the Hymac has caused them the suffering. One man said he had to get water from a house close to the Rupert Craig Highway.

NOT SQUATTERS
He declared: “We are not squatters. We are entitled to water.”
The man said, years ago, through Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, a main conduit had been placed for residents to get their daily needs for washing, cooking and cleaning. However, the Downer Canal feed would be affected whenever there is a disruption in the Liliendaal system.
Mr. Akeem Spencer, who owns a shop at Downer Canal, said he had tried unsuccessfully to get in touch with GWI.
Other complainants maintained that the damage was done by the Hymac and the lack of water is putting a major strain on the backs of those who have children attending school.
They also cannot flush toilets and wash wares or clothes.
“How can our children go to school without bathing…how can we work?” another woman asked.