Lethem and neighbouring villages in Region Nine were last evening without power after the two main generators operated by the power company malfunctioned.
According to reports from the border community, one of the two generators malfunctioned over the weekend due to a mechanical problem and the community has been experiencing six hours of power at various intervals. A second generator, which was being relied upon, soon malfunctioned and the community has been powered by a smaller engine since Sunday evening.
Chairman of the Ireng/ Sawariwau Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Terrence Boston told Stabroek News from Lethem last evening that neither the power company nor the regional authorities has informed residents of the reasons for the load shedding. He said that he was told that Lethem will receive six hours of electricity at various intervals but according to him, key facilities, such as the Lethem Regional Hospital, were without power last evening. He said that the hospital has its own generator but it is currently not working.
According to a resident of St Ignatius, many members of the business community have expressed concern over the incident.
She said that while the bigger businesses can afford to operate their generators continuously, the smaller businesses are already counting their losses. “No one knows when the light issue for Lethem will be resolved, it’s miserable,” another resident added, while voicing concern over any medical emergencies that may occur at night. “If a child is to be born tonight, [it is] candlelight…” the resident added. This newspaper was also told that the hospital is only functioning with one doctor, who is also performing the duties of the administrator.
The community has in the past experienced power outages for several days and residents noted last evening that poor maintenance as well as a lack of oversight by the power company board has been contributing to their woes. Two years ago the residents had protested a similar situation after the power company ran out of fuel.
Residents last evening called on the government to address the situation in a timely manner as the community’s growing population and its economic status were highlighted.
