Georgetown: Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) held a meeting Thursday with all stakeholders including representatives of hotels in Georgetown, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Balwant Singh Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Woodlands Hospital and the Guyana Fire Service regarding the changes at the East Demerara Water Conservancy and the effect on water service within Georgetown.
Chief Executive, GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles stated that the further decrease in the level of the East Demerara Water Conservancy has resulted in GWI reducing service within the city from 22:00hours (10:00PM). This commenced Wednesday, February 4, 2016.
The Chief Executive advised that in light of the reduced service from 22:00hours, all hotels, hospitals, restaurants and other service oriented entities must commence preparations to store water. Dr. Van West-Charles emphasized that residents must be cautious when storing water. He stated that all water used for food preparation, brushing of teeth, etc. must be stored in a covered container to avoid contamination.
The Chief Executive also stated that customers must be vigilant for leaks and avoid wastage. ‘Leaks are a significant problem within the distribution network,’ stated Dr. Van West-Charles, ‘we urge all customers to report leaks immediately to GWI and to ensure that all internal plumbing is functioning properly’. He also invited customers to contact GWI for advice regarding the operation of their internal plumbing.
In addition, GWI has formulated a plan with the Guyana Fire Service to ensure adequate water supply is available in the event of a fire within the city.
Dr. Van West-Charles also provided assurance to all stakeholders that while there has been a further decrease in the level of the Conservancy, GWI is working with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to ensure adequate water is available for customers of Georgetown. ‘Currently, several interventions are being executed. The NDIA is pumping water from the Maduni River into the Conservancy which facilitates adequate water supply distribution via the Shelter-Belt Water Treatment Facility at peak periods’.
In addition, the Chief Executive stated that GWI is rehabilitating wells within the Shelter-Belt compound to complement water provided via the Lamaha Canal. ‘We have also commenced drilling a new well within the Shelter-Belt compound at a cost in excess of G$100 Million,’ stated Dr. Van West-Charles, ‘this is an additional measure to ensure the security of water supply within Georgetown’.
Dr. Van West-Charles urged that all stakeholders advise their employees and customers of the urgent need to conserve on water consumption. He further advised that GWI will provide information packages on water conservation to all stakeholders in order to increase awareness of the urgent appeal for water conservation.
In addition to meeting with stakeholders, the company will also broadcast a television production which will highlight the situation at the Conservancy as well as conservation methods. The broadcast will commence from Saturday, February 6 via several television stations. A complete schedule will be posted on the company’s Facebook page. GWI has also increased awareness on water conservation via the GWI National School Education Programme, ‘H2O Kidz ‘N’ Action’ with several workshops being executed across the country.
‘We wish to assure all customers that every measure is being taken to provide adequate water supply for Georgetown,’ stated Dr. Van West-Charles, ‘customers must join the process and immediately reduce their consumption’.
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