GWI’s efficiency will not be affected by reduced staff compliment-Rodrigues

Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues has assured that the firing of 157 workers from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will not affect the company’s ability to efficiently conduct its work.

 “But we are satisfied that the staff complement that we have remaining will be able to do an effective job and service our customers to a level in which we are satisfied,” the Minster said.

She was responding to comments made by former Managing Director of GWI Dr. Richard Van West-Charles. Charles during a press conference on Thursday expressed concerns that the termination of employees will negatively impact the efficiency of the utility company.

The Minister disclosed that the workers affected by the company’s move to restructure are Customer Service Representatives, and Clerks who functions as field workers.

“We do not have space for these employees because of the overlapping of functions,” she added.

According to her, GWI was able to reduce major leaks from 635 last August to three currently concluding that the field workers were not doing their jobs. In addition, she said applications for service were reduced from 5,000 to 500.

Responding to claims by the former GWI head that the company’s revenue jumped from $3.2B to $5.25B during his tenure, Minister Rodrigues said GWI was bankrupt in 2020 when her Government took office.

She said $6B was owed to the Guyana Power and Light Company while large sums were being spent on rent.

“The former Managing Director was operating GWI like his personal bank account,” the Minister alleged.

GWI on Monday afternoon issued termination letters to 76 employees from a total of 157 to be put on the breadline.

In a statement, the company said this is being done as part of its restructuring plans and rationalization of the staffing establishment.

The company said its Board of Directors and Management of Guyana Water Incorporated have been making efforts to place employees in public and private organizations and will continue to engage more entities for this purpose.