THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has said it will install a distribution network for customers residing in sections of Numbers 67 and 68 Villages, Corentyne, East Berbice, because those villages have been without water service for the past six years.

In excess of 40 households will benefit from this new initiative, GWI’s Chief Executive, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, has said. Accompanied by members of the company’s management team, he attended on Wednesday a meeting at Number 68 Village, Corentyne organised by representatives of the areas without water service.

Residents indicated their challenges in residing in developing areas without access to water, and voiced their willingness to assist the utility with starting the process.

Dr Van West-Charles presented to them a proposal which involved each resident registering as a GWI customer and signing up for a payment plan. The plan would allow residents to pay for the new service connections and the installation of the distribution network in small, affordable portions.

“We are aware of your financial challenges,” he told them, adding: “If everyone agrees, each resident would be allowed to pay for the installation of the service in small, flexible amounts.”

Community representatives unanimously indicated their approval, and were invited to visit the GWI Customer Services location at Springlands to commence the process.

Infrastructural works for the new distribution network are expected to commence in December 2015.

“Safe, affordable water service is the right of every citizen. We will continue to work with communities countrywide to ensure this is a reality for every Guyanese,” Dr Van-West Charles said.