CLOSE to 328 persons representing some 82 households of Washington Estate in the Essequibo Island West Demerara Region are expected to gain access to potable water for the first time, before the end of this year.

This will be made possible through the reactivation of the Hubu well, as was communicated by Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles when he and a team of engineers met residents during a specially organised meeting at a church in Washington Estate on Sunday last.

Van-West Charles explained to residents that this arrangement will see GWI subsidising part of the cost while residents will pay a percentage. Dr. Van-West Charles explained that, “Where communities want it (water access) right away, we do a cost sharing. If not, you would have to wait until 2019 for the new budget,” GWI quoted the managing director as saying.

In order to get the project started, a minimum 60 per cent of households need to commit to playing their part. He pointed out that while those who do not commit would not enjoy the luxury of running water at their premises; they still have the option of making down payments and registering as a customer to secure GWI’s service.

GWI’s Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Dwayne Shako warned against water wastage, explaining that every customer will be metered, thus their consumption will be monitored. They were also cautioned about tampering with the utility company’s infrastructure, since it is a criminal offence. Once residents are forthcoming, GWI will work assiduously to provide water service before Christmas. It is estimated that GWI will need to install 800 meters of PVC pipe. The utility company will also look at ways of improving the sanitation services in the community in the new year.