– metering app. to be launched soon

BUXTON residents who had concerns with the GWI regarding meter installation, service improvements, bill queries and increased hours of water service, had them addressed last Sunday during a community meeting at Tipperary Hall with Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and other senior staff.

According to a press release, Dr. Van West-Charles told the residents present, that “water quality is GWI’s top priority but with the help of the citizens, who will report leaks and breakages in the system which can cause bacteria and viruses, we can keep the system tightly closed and this will increase pressure.

‘‘Our aim is to provide for the many families in urgent need of potable water and to give an additional three hours to the existing eight hours they are receiving,’’ stated the GWI Managing Director.

Meanwhile, a flexible payment contract is being offered so that families can afford to pay for their service connections, the release stated. Dr. Van West-Charles disclosed that Buxton has 33 accounts on no-charge but those customers are still receiving water. However, those customers are being given two weeks during which they can visit the GWI office and enter into a payment arrangement. And become regularized, Should they, however, neglect to do so, GWI has warned that the entire service will subsequently be removed from the premises.

Meanwhile, beginning next month (October), the water company will be installing 3,000 meters in Buxton and the neighbouring communities, and this will significantly help to reduce customers’ service charge. In addition, a GWI metering app. will be launched very soon, the release added.

“Residents should be proactive in guarding the infrastructure…vandalism significantly affects our ability to provide the community with service,” said the Managing Director.

Moreover, he advised that pivotal to the success of all communities, particularly developing housing schemes, is the strengthening of community groups. GWI is also working with the Ministry of Education to clean black tanks at various schools around the country, since it is their job to ensure that water quality is in keeping with the World Health Organization standards, the release further stated.

Responding to concerns that were raised about the hours of water service and the quality received, Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Dwayne Shako, told the gathering that a programme is being implemented in two phases, and that GWI will also be spending some $3M to upgrade the pump at the Friendship Water Treatment Plant.

Additionally, there will be the installation of a new filtration system, which was donated by `Water is Our World’ which is based in Holland.

Mr. Shako also disclosed that plans are in place to install a new generator since the plant is still plagued with power outages. However, when this is completed the distribution lines will be remedied since there are a number of leaks in the system.

He also stated that GWI will soon re-commission the overhead tank at Annandale and by December 2017, customers can expect a 24-hour service within their homes. GWI will also be dispatching teams to check for leaks and prevent water contamination.
Dr. Van West-Charles also notified residents that GWI will be making a proposal to the PUC to establish a fixed rate for pensioners, the release stated.