Latest update December 12th, 2024 1:00 AM
GWI threatens more legal action against delinquent customers
From left: GWI’s Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin, CEO Yuri Chandisingh, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Nigel Niles, Director of Corporate Services Jeannette Thomas.
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has taken legal action against delinquent customers, and dispatched warning letters to over 60 customers in Georgetown who continue to deprive the utility of payment for water services; this was disclosed yesterday at the GWI’s Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road.
According to Executive Director of Corporate Services, Nigel Niles, “we have sent demand letters indicating the outstanding payments and requesting that they visit the nearest GWI office to settle all arrears within seven days after receipt of the correspondence.”
Niles indicated that the response has been slow but promising, “the delinquent customers are not responding as we anticipated, so we will be forced to take those who refuse to comply before the Courts.”
A similar exercise was conducted during the months of October and November 2010 on the West Coast of Demerara with actions being filed in both the Magistrate’s Court and High Court. The company was successful in obtaining judgment against several customers.
“GWI has appealed to customers in the past, even going as far as a country-wide disconnection campaign, however, we are forced to take legal action since some customers simply refuse to pay for the service,” Niles said, “these customers are primarily from the Festival City, North Ruimveldt and South Ruimveldt communities.”
Demand letters were sent to over 60 customers indicating that legal action will be taken against them should they fail to pay all arrears for water service.
“Customers are simply required to contact or visit the office to indicate the manner in which they intend to settle their arrears,” stated the Corporate Services Director, “GWI continues to offer customers the option of a payment plan.”
The demand letters received by these customers do not bar them from selecting a payment plan to settle all arrears. “Customers who are unable to pay the entire outstanding amount can negotiate a payment plan, this will allow them to pay outstanding amounts in small portions and avoid legal penalties,” Niles disclosed.
“It is imperative that these customers contact us regarding their arrears. Failure to do this may prove even more costly should the matter be brought before a Court of Law”.
To apply for a GWI payment plan customers can visit the nearest GWI location or contact the company via the Customer Services Call Centre on 227-8701 or via the e-mail address: [email protected]
According to Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Yuri Chandisingh, many persons are on the disconnection list because they did not seize the opportunity to visit GWI to take advantage of the payment plan which is done by affordable installments. He stressed that if customers make use of this facility they will not be disconnected or taken to court.
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