GWI opens commercial office in Lethem

Apr 14, 2017 News

As the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) looks to improve its delivery of service across the nation, a commercial office was opened last Wednesday in Lethem, the first of its kind in a hinterland community.
The building, which was rented from a Lethem resident, was refurbished and outfitted with GWI particulars, and will ensure that Lethem residents and those persons living in the 59 nearby villages benefit from real time service.
Addressing the gathering at the commissioning of the office, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, said that the establishment of the office is a culmination of talks with region nine residents and local officials.
Van West-Charles said that he advanced the importance of such an office in that region and he put that proposal to the board of the water company, and in less than one year the project has been made a reality.
The CEO said the company’s mission is service to the people. He said it was because of this responsibility that Lethem and other residents are now privy to services that other communities enjoy.
Van West-Charles said that the quality of life of citizens on the coast and that of hinterland residents should be no different. He said that previously residents had to travel to Georgetown to pay their bills which were generated every six months.
Additionally, when there was a problem with the water facilities in that region, residents had to wait for long periods to have those problems rectified. He said that this will now be corrected, since there is now an engineer attached to the region, and a number of GWI officials and technicians that will address the residents’ needs.
Water utility bills will now be generated every 28 days for region nine residents and those bills can be paid at the new office.
Additionally, the opening of the office has ensured employment for 11 residents of the area, something that Charles feels is important when such projects are undertaken.
Also addressing the gathering at the ceremony, Junior Minister of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams said that the office, which will serve commercial customers and address people’s queries, is a welcome addition to the new town.
The Minister told the gathering that GWI is in the process of registering its commercial customers, and will also expand its services throughout the region.
She urged residents to take care of the facility, since it is there for everyone, and the community should be able to benefit fully. She said that Lethem is a land of opportunities and the residents there should be a model that other communities should follow.
The Minister also noted that it is always very refreshing to see a wide cross section of people, of different ethnicities, co-exist in a way that all Guyanese should.

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