GUYANA Water Inc. (GWI) explained, yesterday, that the supply system which serves Paramakatoi is under the purview of the local administration.A press release pointed out that GWI does not have a presence in that region and the responsibility for operation and management of the water infrastructure lies with the local authorities.
The release said, after being contacted about the supplies disruptions affecting the community, approximately one month ago, the company dispatched a team, lead by Capital Investment and Planning (CIP) Director Ramchand Jailal, to assess the situation and provide any technical assistance to the local administration.
The release said it was observed that the original system which had been constructed was modified by the residents of Paramakatoi because of the dry season being experienced.
Following observations
During the GWI visit, the following observations were made:
* that the system consisting of a storage reservoir which receives water from a spring was operable at the time. The reservoir was 75 percent filled and supplying water to the community via a photovoltaic pumping system. However, the tank was leaking a small amount and a sealant was required to repair the leak;
* it was noted that, despite the leak on the storage reservoir, the system was fully operational and water was being supplied to the dormitory and other nearby locations. The company is in possession of images which depict water being accessible at the dormitory and other locations within the community;
* according to the CIP Director, it was observed that the spring, which is one of the sources of water supply for the community, had a significantly reduced flow and this was attributed to the dry season that was being experienced in the Region.
The GWI team shared those observations with the local administration and offered to provide any further assistance. Before departure, GWI representatives urged the local administration to contact the utility with any further issues which may require the company’s assistance.
Was advised
Subsequently, a meeting was held, in Georgetown, with the Toshao of the community and he was advised that a sealant to assist with the repair of the tank is being imported and repair works will be undertaken shortly, GWI related.
GWI has since commenced acquisition of the sealant required to repair the reservoir, which could not be sourced locally and will be in a position to dispatch a team to execute the repair works within two weeks.
The release said GWI received no further information from the local administration, after the initial visit, about the system being non-functional or that residents were being affected. In addition, it must be noted that the system involves the use of standpipes placed throughout the community and it is customary that some residents have to walk short distances from their homes to access water.
The company said it will continue to provide all assistance necessary to the local administration in an effort to provide improvement to residents of Paramakatoi.