The sad reality is that consumers and taxpayers continue to pay for all the inefficiencies

Jun 08, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

I applaud Minister Rodrigues’ query of “Where’s the efficiency?” Consumers must demand the answer from GWI, now and in the future. While the unfortunate termination of 157 could probably save GWI G$200M per year, the efficacy question will continue to prevail.
The statements from former and current heads of GWI create more questions for us. Our questions include the following:
1) Dr. Richard Van West-Charles (former GWI boss) claims that he increased revenues >2 billion; increased collection (reduced debt) by over a billion. But, Dr. Van West-Charles omitted to mention that he increased water rates in 2018! Did increased revenues result from the increased rates?
2) Did Dr. Van West-Charles disclose the plan for a massive hiring spree? Was the revenue gains correctly forecasted and disclosed to the PUC? Are Consumers aware that he had requested the PUC to consider a rate increase based on the Consumer’s property size? Thank God the PUC remained objective and pragmatic!
3) Could Minister Rodrigues dispute/verify Dr. Van West-Charles’ claim of the following accounts/sums at the change of government: NBS – 283M; Citizens’ Bank – 198M + 170M credit line; BNS – 33M; GBTI – 83M? If these sums are there, then what was the basis of the ‘bankruptcy’ claim of Baksh? Consumers demand full disclosure.
4) Could Dr. Van West-Charles and the Minister comment on the capital expenditure of G$2 billion by GWI for January to May 2021?
a. Is there a report of stocks and stores on hand on 31/12/2020? For example, what was the inventory of meters on hand at the end of last year?
b. How did we justify spending over $200 million on meters? How many meters were ordered, and how many do you install per year?
c. Do these meters meet the requirements of the Bureau of Standards, and is the supplier ISO certified?
d. Consumers need to have better access to the accounts and strategic plans of GWI. Could GWI release its strategic plan that is used to determine the staffing requirements?
e. How many Consumers were metered during 2018 and 2019 and for 2021?

For the sake of public knowledge, I share some of the GWI Capex: Jan-May 2021 as follows (source – NPTA); note this is for the period Jan-May 2021.
i. Electromechanical equipment – $133 million
ii. Meters and service connection – $634 million
iii. Chemicals – $206 million
iv. Pipes and fittings – $285 million
v. Water wells – $584 million
The sad reality is that consumers and taxpayers continue to pay for all the inefficiencies. Editor, there are more questions – but it is clear that it is time for us Consumers to control our own destiny.
But, for now, 157 persons are forced to the bread line – at no fault of theirs! Wrongfully hired or wrongfully fired? The people will judge.
Yours truly,
Dr. Yog Mahadeo
Consumer

Latest News

The sad reality is that consumers and taxpayers continue to pay for all the inefficiencies

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street ‘A’ for K&S...

Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA...

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025

Archery Guyana National 2-Day Indoor Senior...

Grandmaster Jose Luis Montes to lead Self-Defense...

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for...

Features/Columnists

GUYSUCO’s problems are political not managerial

Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will

Exxon Awards

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

The sad reality is that consumers and taxpayers continue to pay for all the inefficiencies

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]