GWI emphasises hinterland push at 16-year anniversary party
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DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, May 31, 2018
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is determined to bring the supply of water to hinterland residents up to the current standard provided to coastlanders.
This was one of the points made last evening at an awards ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel to celebrate sixteen years of GWI’s service to the Guyanese population.
(Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, Chairperson of GWI’s Board of Directors, Patricia Chase-Green and Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West Charles celebrate 16 years.
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan told the gathering the coalition government is making tremendous efforts to improve the access of potable and quality water in the hinterland especially in Regions One, Eight and Nine: “While Guyanese on the coast enjoy high level water quality, we have been challenged to supply the hinterland and settlements…In this regard significant work was done to ensure that many of our hinterland communities get access to potable water.”
Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West Charles saluted the workers for their dedication over the years and outlined various successes the company has achieved due to their hard work. These include drilling wells in Diamond, Sparendaam and Sophia; cleaning of school tanks; and the installation of new water supply systems at Mile Four and Five, Bartica to benefit 1200 residents. “We’re now drilling wells in Port Mourant and will move on to Westminster and Parfaite Harmonie…Our staff have been trained in India, Japan, Netherlands and America,” In the area of finance, compared to the first five months of 2017, this year has seen a 30% increase in collections with a focus on arrears. GWI has also developed an app that allows customers to submit meter readings, report leaks and view account balances.
Minister Bulkan thanked the GWI management and staff for their dedication and also acknowledged various development partners including the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Union, Japan International Cooperation Agency, the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank for their invaluable support to GWI over the 16 years.
By: Ranetta La Fleur
Photos by Leon Leung.
Ministers of Government and officials being appreciated for their contribution to GWI.
Young GWI staffer being awarded for his outstanding performance.
A section of the gathering at the celebration.