West Ruimveldt erupted in chaos yesterday afternoon as residents blocked roads and burnt tires and other debris in retaliation for what they say is the wrongful disconnection of the area’s power supply by GPL.
And the area remained without power up to press time last night with residents still out on the streets and restive.
Police came out in their numbers but this did not stop the residents from protesting. It was not possible to obtain a comment from GPL yesterday afternoon.
Members of the Guyana Fire Service fought hard and managed to put out the fire that was set on Mandela Avenue and which sent thick black smoke into the air. They later cleared that road of the burnt material.
When Stabroek News arrived around 4:45 pm residents, young and old, were on the streets near the scene of the fire watching as it was being put out.
A vehicle with heavily armed policemen was also there standing guard as the firemen quelled the flames.
Every road in the West Ruimveldt circle was blocked with debris which included old vehicles and parts, wood and pieces of iron.
Many residents could be heard calling for the immediate restoration of electricity to the area, since at night the place is pitch black and could be dangerous. They loudly chanted “We want light