THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has tailored its services to meet the safety needs of citizens., in view of the COVID-19 epidemic.

In a live press update on the company’s Facebook page hosted by the company’s Public Relations Officer Leanna Bradshaw, Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako and Customer Relations Manager Andrea Khan, shared with the public measures that have been put in place to cater to their needs.

Khan said that the offices have now extended their opening hours from 8am– 12pm so that customers can have enough time to visit the office for queries.
Even though the offices are open to the public, Khan highlighted that the company has expanded its online platforms and persons are being urged to make use of those and avoid visiting the offices unless it is absolutely necessary.

“In keeping with social distancing, we are asking customers to make use of our services online, and only if your concern cannot be addressed via phone or other online means, then come in to the office. We have a customer portal on our website to view your balance and make fault reports. You can also get us on WhatsApp on the number 620 1667. We also have a GWI customer app so you can download and have access to all your account information. You can pay bills online, through Bill Express, Sure Pay and post offices, or via MMG,” Khan outlined.

She assured the public that it is also safe to pay at payment agencies.
She noted too, that at this time the company is not delivering bills and doing meter-reading, and as such, persons are being urged to submit their meter readings.
To this end, Shako said that there has not been a waiver in payment of water bills, because of the cost of the service required to ensure that water reaches every home.

However, he noted that the company is working with an estimation system that will be based on the individual’s average monthly water use. If persons are not comfortable with the estimation system, they are free to submit their own meter readings.

FAIR SYSTEM
Shako said that he believes the estimation system is one that is fair since it will most likely amount to less than the usual monthly bill. In fact, he noted that there has been a 200, 000 meter cubes increase per day, in consumption since COVID-19. This amounts to a 20 per cent increase.

This, he said, is a result of more persons, homes and places practisng sanitisation methods which include the vast usage of water.
Shako said this increase is somewhat strenuous; however, it is understandable that this is what is necessary to keep everyone safe.

He highlighted that GWI is often confronted with sentiments such as “Guyana is the land of many waters, so water should be free”, and pointed out that persons are often unaware of the investment to get potable water to their taps.

“The operational cost for chemicals and to produce water is quite expensive. Chemical costs on the coast alone is approximately 60 million a month. Electricity costs added, takes it to 245 million a month, adding employment and labour to that, it is over 400 million a month.

You don’t pay for water, the water is free; you pay for the service. You can go to any river, any canal, and have that water. But for us to ensure that water is drinkable, and safe when it comes to your tap, that is what you pay for. And there are people working 24 hours a day to ensure the water remains potable. In fact, VAT was removed on water, so you just pay water consumption cost,” Shako said.

He also noted that GWI has ceased all disconnections, and is urging consumers who have been disconnected to reach out to the company, so that they can ensure everyone has access to water at this time.

The company has also been working with squatter settlements since the advent of COVID-19 to ensure that they too have access, to keep everyone, especially the children, safe.
Shako urged that if there is any problem pertaining to water, consumers must not hesitate to reach out, as the company is committed to providing the best service they can at this time.