GWI cuts water to Stabroek, Albouystown markets

Vendors at the Stabroek and Albouystown Markets have since last week been operating without potable water after the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) discontinued their service.

At its statutory meeting yesterday the Georgetown City Council was informed that following the disconnection GWI wrote Town Clerk (ag) Sharon HarryMonroe asking for a meeting.

This meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow at 10:30 in the Council Chamber.

Harry-Monroe noted that she was informed of the disconnection on Thursday and reached out to Chairman of the GWI Board, Patricia Chase-Green, who is also a councillor and immediate past mayor. The Chairman promised to have the service reconnected yesterday.

Speaking in her capacity as councillor, Chase-Green questioned the delay in having the meeting. She particularly queried if the disconnection of an essential utility from two municipal markets was not important enough to warrant an immediate meeting and indicated that several other areas under council authority may soon be disconnected if GWI and City Hall cannot come to an agreement.

“In all fairness GWI has been honouring its obligation in paying its taxes (to the city),” the former Mayor said.

The current Mayor Ubraj Narine also questioned why he was not informed of the matter before yesterday.

“This happened one week ago; it came to attention today; you learned of it on Thursday. Communication is lacking between the office of Town Clerk and other departments. You need to communicate better,” he stressed.

In responding Harry-Monroe noted that as soon as she was informed of the issue she sought to have it remedied by reaching out to the GWI Chairperson.

It is not clear just how much money is owed to GWI by the City.