Members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) have expressed outrage at the frequent blackouts that have been plaguing Berbicians for several weeks.
In a release yesterday, the CCCC said there seems to be no solution to the “appalling power situation… Not a day goes by without blackouts.”
It said too that it was asking the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) “to take whatever steps necessary to ensure a smooth and continuous power supply at this important time of the year for businesses, residents and visitors to Berbice.”
President of the CCCC, Leekha Rambrich told Stabroek News last evening that they experienced a blackout for almost the entire day.
He said too that the power company “does not have the courtesy to put a notice on television about the blackout.”
Contacted, manager of GPL, Ayube Bacchus told this newspaper that the blackouts could not have been avoided because of a problem with the switch gear. He said the current blackouts were necessary for repairs to be undertaken.
Bacchus said that West Berbicians were expected to be affected by a blackout for a few hours later this week to facilitate the final stages of the repairs.
He said GPL was aware of the inconvenience and had made alternative arrangements to get power through the feeder.
He promised residents that once the repairs were completed they would have an improved service and, in other words can look forward to a ‘bright’ Christmas.
The manager said though that even though there would be “intermittent blackouts” mostly for the purpose of maintenance, “it would be as minimal as possible.”
Meanwhile, residents also experienced power outages when the company’s plant was threatened by flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
Bacchus explained that the plant is in a “low-lying area” and that the problem was compounded by the high tide.
Rice farmers
The CCCC was also concerned that farmers, mainly from the front lands at No. 51 Village to Alness in Region Six lost about 600 acres of rice during the dry season.
The release said the losses were as a result of the “seemingly casual, irresponsible and lackadaisical approach by the authorities.”
It said that “in some instances, the entire crop was lost; in other areas the yields were affected, the main reason being the non-operable pumps at Black Bush Polder and Manarabisi. This resulted in a totally inadequate supply of water to the above areas.”
Rambrich told this newspaper that the farmers were affected in September and October during the latter parts of the first crop and at the start of the second crop in November. He said the lack of water forced farmers to start the second crop behind schedule.
‘B’ Division
Referring to the recent shooting and capturing of three bandits at East Canje following an attempted robbery, the chamber commended Commander of ‘B’ Division, Dereck Josiah.
The release said that the CCCC members had “attended a recent meeting with the police top brass in Berbice…” where the commander “presented a comprehensive plan for law enforcement in the entire Berbice, especially during this Christmas season.”
It said too that the members were “optimistic that the police will be effective and keep crime to a minimum, but we also urge the business community and all residents and visitors to take the utmost precaution during this period.”
Rambrich said the capturing of the bandits proved that “once the police respond quickly and are supported in their effort they would do well.” He also assured the force that the business sector would continue to offer support.
