The meters will supply data on consumption that will enable the commission to set rates, project revenues, estimate water losses and identify the potential for conservation. All of the city's 28,000 customers will receive meters within the next five years, which will save an estimated $500,000 annually. At present, only 2,000 users have meters. Of the 20 million gallons of water produced daily by the system, an estimated 14 million gallons are lost through leaks and other problems.

The project is part of an IDB-financed program to improve all aspects of the city's water supply management, including administration and maintenance. Particular emphasis is being placed on staff training, budgeting, and planning for repairs. Physical works include installation of new wells and tanks and repair or replacement of pumping equipment, pipe, valves and meters.

The project is being managed by the HARZA Engineering Company of Chicago in association with the Sven Trent Water Authority of the United Kingdom, Caribbean Engineering Management Company and E&A of Guyana.

The commission has already completed a computerized customer registry of 28,500 households and put in place new systems for billing and collecting, accounting, and cost control. The authority's staff has been reduced from 450 to under 240 through early retirement and other incentives. The remaining staff members, who are receiving salaries competitive with the private sector, have a new esprit de corps, according to Colin Forsythe, project specialist in the IDB's Guyana office. Also, water tariffs have been raised significantly over the past three years to ensure the GSWE's financial