The request for an urgent public meeting on GEBE from United People’s (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Ludmilla de Weever with support of three other elected representatives (see Wednesday paper) was timely to say the least. There are just too many unanswered questions close to six months since the water and electricity provider suffered a cyberattack.
Calling this a possible “national security” issue, she said customers are still waiting for their invoices since February or March and may be uncomfortable paying a fixed monthly amount by bank lacking such. After the initial erroneous sending out of crazy “test” bills during the early system restoration phase, some have recently again received one or more so ridiculous they had no choice but to go and dispute these at Customer Service, where the crowds that used to form at the cashiers can now be found with – it must be said – an orderly number system and covered seating. One frequent complaint is being told one will get a call which never comes.
The “deafening silence” from management mentioned certainly deserves attention. Correct and regular information provision in crisis situations is key to countering rumours that spark unnecessary concern, like – for example – clients in arrears getting their power cut per September 1.
The MP also thinks the computer system recovery is not 75% as claimed and is worried about GEBE’s finances, citing “rumblings” of suppliers not wanting to give it any credit. Whether true or not, that kind of perception, if widespread, could easily make things much worse.
Public relations are important to any organisation, let alone an essential government-owned company with a monopoly position. If the legislature is where a bit of clarity can be offered to the population, then by all means let’s do so.
