After enduring blackouts over a two-week period due to the failure of two generators, residents of the Bartica township will most likely have to wait until Thursday before any relief is received, Mayor Gifford Marshall says.
Marshall told Stabroek News on Sunday that the failure of two Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) engines in the township has resulted in scheduled power outages lasting in excess of 12 hours at a time, in some instances.
The Mayor further noted GPL’s promise to transfer a generator from Berbice to assist the town. The generator, he said, was expected to arrive in the town on Sunday.
However, when contacted yesterday for an update on the situation, Marshall stated that he was informed that the generator will most likely leave Berbice on Wednesday and may not arrive in Bartica until Thursday. He further stated that many residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the pace by GPL in addressing the issue.
A statement from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) on Saturday said that the failure of the two GPL engines in Bartica has led to an untenable situation and the ministry will assist where possible.
The statement also sought the understanding and patience of residents, while noting that a major overhaul, slated for completion on September 17, is underway.
Meanwhile, Marshall noted that the facility, which is located on First Avenue, next to the market, which is in the centre of the Central Business District (CBD), was scheduled to go through maintenance about two weeks ago, just before the series of power outages began.
As a result, businesses are losing money and residents are being placed in uncomfortable positions. “We have businesses that have their frozen goods spoiling, losing money and nights when children have to do their homework they can’t because they don’t have electricity,” he pointed out.
