PUC approves fixed charge for water supply

– New rate of $500 effective Nov 1, 2019

– revenue garnered will go towards metering and supplying water in new areas 

DPI, Guyana, Monday, December 31, 2018

As of October 1, 2019, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will implement new fixed charges on water bills. The current fixed charge that has been previously approved for October 2018 to September 2019 is $250. The new rate of $500 will take effect from October 1, 2019.

Metered consumers are now paying the fixed charge of $250 monthly. Georgetown customers are currently paying a monthly consumption charge of $112 however from October 1, 2019 this charge will be incurred by all billed GWI customers. Unmetered residential consumers are paying a monthly fixed charge of $250 with the monthly consumption charge being $1,100.

According to Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, revenue garnered from these increases will go directly towards addressing existing gaps in the country’s water sector.

“This now enables us to apply the fixed charge in a real way so that residents become aware as to where the fixed charge is being applied for the improvement of the distribution network… Now in 2018, October, November and December the fixed charge as we would have agreed with the PUC would be applied to the distribution networks and improvements of the network and addressing some of the gaps throughout the country.” Dr. Charles said

He explained that proceeds will go towards improving water supply services. “Some of the resources, if not all were applied to areas such as Soesdyke, Crabwood Creek, Providence phase 3, Farm, Covent Garden, Bush Lot, Skull City in Region Three, Waller’s Delight etc.”

The Managing Director further specified that in 2019, fixed charges collected will be used to replace water transmission lines along Vlissengen Road and Church Street while repairing and replacing damaged or outdated infrastructure.

Delicia Haynes.

Image: Giovanni Gajie.