GWI is lacking when responding to consumer concerns

Oct 30, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor,
Guyana has earned its name from the Amerindians, with the meaning “Land of Many Waters”. Ironically, in this land of many waters, that precious, supposedly colourless mineral has become the most abused, wasted and expensive commodity.
Just over a year ago, I had cause to publicize a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) billing issue. Senior Management and Executives subsequently met with me over it. I presented my facts, and the issue, which had greater reach than my simple highlight, was acknowledged and efforts subsequently made to correct it.
My publicity of the GWI issue did not go down well with some persons and even resulted in minor collateral damage. A once close friend, who was also even more closely linked to the GWI top people, took offence to my action and our friendship dissipated over the ensuing months. In life, you win some and you lose some.
GWI’s operation is again the subject of my attention. On October 19, 2018 at 12:11, I sent a video and photograph of a leaking water main located in a section of northeastern Georgetown to the GWI Facebook Account. All relevant details were provided. My message was read by someone at the GWI at 12:12, one minute later, on the same day. To date, the water main continues to leak.
I estimate that thousands of gallons of water have been wasted over the past months since the main first started leaking, although some ingenious resident in the area placed an old bucket over the breakage to prevent the water from sprouting into the air. Hundreds more gallons of water may have been wasted since I took my precious time and effort in a public spirited gesture to inform the GWI via its fancy Facebook public interface over a week ago.
Is GWI really serious by its PR, advertisements, and appeals for members of the public to report breakages and leaking water mains?
I am no stranger to this type and culture of inaction in my hydrophilic country, but it is stifling to absorb the hypocrisy and even animosity that some in the corporate arena develop when the public media is engaged on such matters, which invariably expose their apparent slighting attitudes or incompetence.
The GWI people may again be unhappy with this missive notwithstanding their untimeliness in addressing my report of the leakage. If acted upon, the entity will undoubtedly avert the unnecessary wastage of hundreds of thousands of dollars in water wastage, as well as restore full water pressure to consumers in the affected area.
Some other time I will address the issue of that orange-brownish colour featured in the water, which permanently stains everything it comes into contact with, from linen to toilet and sanitary ware. GWI is lucky to be operating in a country where persons do not actively sue for damages.
Yours faithfully,

Orette Cutting

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