THE country’s water company GWI has recovered $1.8 billion from its rigid debt-collection campaign.This was announced on Wednesday by Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Van-West Charles.

He added that a payment plan has since been put in place for customers who have large sums of money outstanding. He noted that 40% of GWI ‘s customers are metered.

Dr. Van-West Charles told the media that they have also uncovered that some customers who are metered are not reflected in their data, while others have service but are not paying.

He explained that all customers, including businesses that are not paying and have service connection through nefarious means, will be disconnected and once that is done, if they require service connection, they will have to agree to a contract for payment.

The CEO said the utility’s aim is to provide a good product with exceptional quality; as such, they have a Leak Unit on call on a 24-hour basis to respond and with the use of technology, they will prevent leaks in the near future.

The GWI boss stated that the total investment made by the water company this year stands at $343M, adding that GWI has expended $60M in rehabilitation and maintenance works so far.

He also spoke about the ridiculously low allowances being paid to Sewerage employees and disclosed that the issue will be fixed soon.

Dr. Van-West Charles explained that the night premium some employees were receiving is about $5.00 to $25.00 after taxes, but they are now being paid an increase of $15,000.

The CEO added that GWI has drilled 12 new wells across the country.

Dr. Van-West Charles pointed out that they achieved their project implementation compliance by which GWI can respond to demands by drilling new wells and the construction of more water treatment plants.

He disclosed that GWI has established a unit which comes under the office of the CEO to monitor and evaluate projects, etc.

As for the improvement of water quality, they will establish a series of mini-labs across the country, but has one at the Shelterbelt since 60% of the water distributed to customers in the city comes from surface water there.