The residents of Guinea Grass Village are organizing a demonstration this Sunday to voice their profound discontent with the local water authority’s management practices and disputed billing procedures. This civic action stems from a recently implemented metered water system that was initially welcomed in December 2024 as a solution to the village’s historical water access limitations.
However, the anticipated relief has rapidly transformed into widespread frustration. Numerous households have reported receiving inexplicably high water consumption statements, with some bills indicating usage of up to 22,000 gallons within a single month—a volume that residents assert is practically impossible.
Enio Lopez, Vice President of the Guinea Grass Development Committee, provided context to the escalating conflict. While acknowledging that meter implementation theoretically promotes accountability and conservation, Lopez emphasized that the community’s central grievance revolves around execution failures rather than the concept itself. According to his statement, approximately 90-95% of villagers express discontent with the current situation.
The core issues identified by community representatives include the absence of promised trained personnel to oversee the new system, lack of transparency regarding water board membership, and insufficient communication from authorities. Lopez highlighted that despite the presence of qualified, educated individuals within the community capable of managing water affairs effectively, their expertise remains untapped.
The planned peaceful protest aims to demand three specific resolutions: transparent accountability mechanisms for billing discrepancies, the establishment of fair charging structures reflective of actual consumption, and the appointment of new, properly trained leadership to administer the village’s water supply system.