THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) met on Thursday with certain stakeholders to update them on the changes at the East Demerara Water Conservancy and the effects on water service within Georgetown.Those stakeholders were representatives of hotels in Georgetown, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Woodlands Hospital, and the Guyana Fire Service.

GWI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Van West-Charles has said that the further decrease in the level of the East Demerara Water Conservancy has resulted in GWI reducing service within the city from 22:00hours (10:00pm). This commenced on Wednesday, February 4, 2016.

The GWI Chief Executive has advised that, in light of the reduced service, all hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and other service-oriented entities must commence preparing to store water.
He emphasised that residents must be cautious when storing water, stating that all water intended for use in food preparation, brushing of teeth, etc. must be stored in a covered container to avoid contamination, and he said that customers must be vigilant for leaks, and must avoid wasting water.

“Leaks are a significant problem within the distribution network,” Dr. Van West-Charles has disclosed. “We urge all customers to report leaks immediately to GWI, and to ensure that all internal plumbing is functioning properly”.

He has also invited customers to contact GWI for advice regarding any aspect of their internal plumbing. In addition, the GWI has formulated a plan with the Guyana Fire Service to ensure adequate water supply is available in the event of a fire within the city.

Dr. Van West-Charles has assured that while the level of the Conservancy has been further decreased, GWI is working with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to ensure adequate water is available for customers of Georgetown.

“Currently, several interventions are being executed. The NDIA is pumping water from the Maduni River into the Conservancy, which facilitates adequate water supply distribution via the Shelter Belt Water Treatment Facility at peak periods,” he disclosed.

In addition, he said, GWI is rehabilitating wells within the Shelter Belt compound to complement water provided via the Lamaha Canal. “We have also commenced drilling a new well within the Shelter Belt Compound at a cost in excess of Gy$100 million,” Dr. Van West-Charles disclosed. “This is an additional measure to ensure the security of water supply within Georgetown.”

Dr. Van West-Charles has urged that all stakeholders advise their employees and customers of the urgent need to conserve on water consumption. He has also advised that, in order to increase awareness of the urgent appeal to conserve water, GWI will provide information packages on water conservation to all stakeholders; will meet with the public, and will broadcast a television production to highlight the situation at the Conservancy and to inform on water conservation methods. Broadcast of this production will commence from Saturday, February 6, and be shown by several television stations. A complete schedule will be posted on the company’s Facebook page.

GWI has also increased awareness on water conservation via the GWI National School Education Programme “H2O Kidz ‘N’ Action”, with several workshops being done across the country.

“We wish to assure all customers that every measure is being taken to provide adequate water supply for Georgetown,” Dr. Van West-Charles has stated. “Customers must join the process and immediately reduce their consumption,” he appealed.