Region Two continues to suffer at the hands of GPL
The frustrated and depressed residents of the Essequibo Coast yesterday had an opportunity to meet with officials of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). The meeting follows a series of blackouts that continues to plague the northern end of the Coast. Present at the meeting were officials representing the Regional Democratic Council, Regional Director of GPL, Nigel Belfield, deputy CEO of technical Department GPL, Elwyn Marshall, and other stakeholders of the business communities. Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council, Daveanand Ramdatt, expected frank and honest discussions. His expectations however were short-lived as distressed residents were eager to unleash their burning concerns to the officials of GPL. Ever so anxious were the residents of Charity, who were exposed to the blackouts. For the past eight days residents living in the Charity had no electricity. As a result the GWI pump station in Charity was unable to supply water to residents living in the area. The Chairman on the other hand is concerned and disappointed that timely information was not provided and the methodology used by G.P.L. was prudent. “Charity is the most affected; as indicated to GPL we have numerous problems. We would like to have clear and sincere comments from G.P.L. that point us in a direction so we can see what’s in store. The R.D.C recognized that Region Two needs to be more vocal in representing itself, though quietness cannot be continued, descent efforts must still be made.” Chief Executive OfficerTechnical, Elwyn Marshal, said that G.P.L. offers apology for the unreliable supply of current. Marshall said the power outage is due to loss of power in two major units. In no circumstance could the units be maintained to offer reliable service. Marshall said that the Company has formulated a plan to minimize the periods of Blackout experienced throughout the northern section of the region. “The Essequibo Coast has two sequences of power. Two years ago a south system was established temporarily in Fairfield. Our plan is to relocate the set in Southfield to Anna Regina. This in turn would result in less load for the Anna Regina generator sets. At the same time persons on the south will not experience power outages.”
(Kaieteurnews.com)