GWI collects $190M so far from delinquent customers

Mar 22, 2010 News

NEW AMSTERDAM, BERBICE – The countrywide disconnection campaign launched by the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is bearing some fruit for the utility company.

Of the $6.3 billion owed to the utility company by consumers countrywide, some $190 million was collected since the exercise began in February. Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Water Inc., Timothy Austin, described the sum as a ‘small dent’ which would continue to grow as long as persons do what they are expected to.

In January, Mr. Austin said that some 28,000 consumers in Region Six owe the Guyana Water Inc. $1.2 billion in rates, a figure that dates back to 2006.

Under this ongoing exercise, more than 2,100 customers across Guyana were disconnected. Though a specific breakdown was not readily available, he disclosed that communities such as Black Bush Polder, Crabwood Creek and New Amsterdam among others were touched by the disconnection crews. Teams also visited several sections of the West and East Coast of Demerara and other geographic locations.

The utility company is focusing on ways to recuperate the amount owed and as far as possible offer consumers an alternative to disconnection. Only as a last resort would services be cut off. According to him, the general idea is not to remove a consumer’s supply but to work out ways to ensure that persons honour their obligation.

Efforts are also being made to facilitate consumers in outlying areas who use distance as a reason for non-payment. Special revenue collection desks would be put in place at supermarkets, community centers and the like based on spots identified by those on the ground. At these locations persons can pay their bills, apply for new connections and generally make use of any service offered at a GWI’s office.

Many defaulters across Guyana have been making use of GWI’s new payment plan, which allows consumers to pay outstanding bills in small monthly amounts.

The Guyana Water Inc. also partnered with the Republic Bank to provide the tele-banking service as a means to pay water bills.

According to Mr. Austin, GWI serves all ten administrative regions but consumers in the hinterlands are not billed for their water supply since they receive only a basic service.

This is so because their locations are developing and residents acquire water by travelling several miles and using hand pumps. The service to hinterland communities is funded by donor agencies.

Outstanding balances affect the operation of the utility company, given that revenue collected is used to offset expenses incurred by water treatment plants among other things. The entities now rely on Government’s subsidy which is used to pay electricity bills.

Starting this year, consumers would be billed quarterly. This system began in 2009 but there were some teething problems which were eventually worked out.

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GWI collects $190M so far from delinquent customers

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