GWI – Sterling example of incompetence

Jun 28, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Please permit me space in your newspaper to air the frustration of dealing with GWI.
We often hear them complaining of people running to the media before contacting them to get their problem solved.
What I will relate will explain why people in frustration have to go to the media.
In November 2021, a new water meter was installed inside my yard – even though there is more than adequate space outside the fence.
A supervisor came the very day to inspect the installation and he informed me that the meter would have to be re-installed outside and that he would get the contractor to do same. Seven months later, the meter is still in the same place in my yard.
However, each and every month since then, when the GWI meter readers come, they have been given entrance into my yard without fail.
I have been receiving bills monthly from GWI with an incorrect reading. The fact is the meter is stuck on the number 99999. The meter Number is A21AA0066228. On a number of occasions, the meter readers told me that the meter had a problem and they assumed that it was connected backwards. They informed me that they would report it.
Further, I myself called the Peter’s Hall office on at least three occasions and reported the matter. I was assured that someone would come to rectify the problem. By the way, it is a frustrating and time-consuming exercise to get on to Peter’s Hall branch. Most times the phone keeps ringing out.
Eventually in early May in disgust, I called the Customer Service. I assume that this is in Georgetown. I explained the problem, got a Reference No: 1045743 – 12. I was told that the problem would be resolved within 10 days – No such luck.
Earlier this month, I saw GWI advertising an app by which you can photograph the meter and send in the reading to them. I did that and sent a picture of the meter reading to them.
Now after all this, to add insult to injury, I just received my bill for May with an ESTIMATED reading and this is what is written on the bill “Please be advised that we were unable to read your meter. Consequently you have been billed on estimate. GWI urges you to allow our Meter Reader access during the next reading cycle. You can read your water meter and provide us with the….” (I don’t know what comes after “with the”)
I was billed for 36 M3 – whatever that means. However, I don’t think this is a realistic estimate. The reason is that I have a large reservoir which collects all the water from my roof which is what I use in my home. I only use GWI’s water for about one hour each week.
So, Editor, this is the plight I am facing. I don’t know how many times more I will have to contact them before they do anything to correct this problem.

Yours sincerely,
Disgusted Consumer