The damage to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) submarine cable, which caused a widespread power outage in sections of regions 3, 4, and 5 back in July, should be repaired by mid-November, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.
Patterson related at a news conference yesterday that he was “optimistically told” the works would be completed by the end of October, but that he preferred to trust his own calculations.
Repairs to the cable are to be done in three phases. The first phase—raising the cable to identify the broken sections—has already been completed. The next step is the installation of the splice (the key component needed for the cables’ restoration) and repairs, and then finally, the reburying of the cables.
Patterson stated that a contractor has already been identified for the project, although the contract has not yet been signed off. He divulged that quotes were received from three firms.
It has not yet been determined what caused damage to the system, which the minister explained transfers excess power from Vreed-en-Hoop to Deme-rara. What is known, however, is that the damage was caused by works which were being done in the channel.
In a letter published in the August 3 edition of Stabroek News, in response to a Kaieteur News report titled ‘GPL in quandary as Chinese-built submarine power cable remains down,’ Project Director of the China Machinery Company (CMC) Huibao Jin (Andrew) refuted suggestions that the cable might not have been buried to the 3 meter minimum specifications outlined in the contract.
Further, he denied that non-functioning of the cable had anything to do with its quality, while stating that as far as the company was aware, the cable was damaged during a dredging operation.
Patterson said yesterday that while at the time contractual arrangements determined that the cable be buried to a depth of 3 meters, it has since been suggested by the Maritime Administra-tion Department (MARAD) that it be buried deeper. He revealed that with plans to dredge the channel, which at present is 6 meters deep, and which MARAD plans to take to a nine to ten meter depth, adjustments will have to be made as this could lead to exposure of the cable.
“MARAD at the time, I think when the contract was going on, had advised that it should be lower because they would like to proceed with dredging the channels…However, the contract was signed already, so it remained at 3 meters. I was told just now, prior to this, that there are excess cables at either end…so that at a particular time, at the cost of the company, they will bury it the further required depth of no less than 6 meters,” he added.
The minister stated that he has also asked GPL to explore the option of having a second cable installed.
