THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) met on Monday to discuss the prospect of increasing tariffs for water. They agreed that the present tariffs are woefully outdated and a new tariff structure should be in place; however, they have agreed to have a two-week window period within which they would decide on this new structure.   

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheik Baksh explained that the outdated tariffs are causing increasing pressure on GWI. He noted that the outdated tariffs were barely affording GWI the requisite payment for energy cost, and that there is dire need for the system to be upgraded to ensure GWI’s energy costs are reduced.

Mr. Baksh stated that GWI is not garnering sufficient revenue to cover operational costs even though it provides potable water to a growing number of consumers.  

He said the programmed outline of the company’s investment for the past five years was made easier by constructing seven new water treatment plants.

GWI is seeking a new tariff structure to sort out its financial situation.

Attempts to solicit a response from the GWI CEO were unsuccessful, but sources there related that another meeting is scheduled for the next two weeks and updates would be available then.