Driver agrees to pay compensation after damaging GPL network in Mahaica accident

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) continues to bemoan the destruction of its electrical infrastructure after a Canter truck struck the network along the Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The incident occurred at approximately 13:00h on Saturday. At the time, a motor canteen, registration number GAJ 7505, was proceeding east along the Mahaica Public Road when it collided with GPL’s electrical infrastructure, causing damage to the network.
The driver, identified as Mohan Deonarine of Kumaka, Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), was taken into custody at the Mahaica Police Station.
Meanwhile, GPL’s investigator visited the scene, and photographs were taken as part of the investigation.
According to the power company, “The driver has indicated a willingness to compensate for the damage caused.” Nevertheless, the investigation remains ongoing with both the Police and GPL.
This is the latest in a series of vehicular accidents that continue to destroy the state-owned power company’s infrastructure.
“GPL is concerned about the potential consequences of vehicular accidents involving its electrical infrastructure. Such incidents can result in serious injury or loss of life, damage to critical network components, and service interruptions affecting customers,” the company said on Saturday.
It also noted that damaged electrical infrastructure can pose significant safety risks to other road users and members of the public. To this end, GPL is urging all motorists to exercise caution and remain alert while using the nation’s roadways.
“Drivers are reminded of the importance of operating vehicles responsibly, as careless driving can increase the risk of accidents. GPL remains committed to maintaining a safe and reliable electricity network and will continue to cooperate with the Guyana Police Force and other relevant authorities as the investigation progresses,” the company added.
In recent months, GPL has heightened efforts to recover costs associated with repairing and replacing network infrastructure that was damaged by members of the public as it continues to lament the destruction caused by vehicular accidents. Last month alone, several such accidents were recorded.
On September 29, a black Nissan Juke struck a utility pole along the Hope Lowland Public Road, East Coast Demerara, resulting in the pole breaking and damage to approximately 400 feet of service line and a street light. The vehicle had reportedly left the scene before GPL personnel and ranks of the Guyana Police Force arrived.
Days earlier, on September 22, a two-vehicle collision along the Kitty Public Road, Georgetown, caused significant damage to GPL’s electricity network, including a broken nine-metre wooden utility pole and damage to two pole spans of secondary mains.
The incident resulted in service disruption to the community, and GPL indicated that following an investigation and determination of the circumstances surrounding the incident, it would take the necessary steps to recover costs associated with repairs to the damaged infrastructure.
In addition to motorists, the power company has also been pursuing contractors who destroy its infrastructure with the aim of recovering costs.
Only on September 9, an incident caused major damage to the power company’s network at Dennis Street, Sophia, in Georgetown. At the time, motor lorry GAG 6159 was being used to offload loam for an expansion project in the area. After offloading, the driver reportedly moved the vehicle while its tray remained elevated, resulting in it coming into contact with GPL’s network and damaging critical infrastructure.
The driver had reportedly left the location before investigators arrived.
GPL had strongly condemned the negligent action, warning that persons found responsible for damaging or interfering with GPL’s infrastructure would be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law and may also be held financially liable for all associated repair and restoration costs.
“The company reminds contractors, equipment operators, and motorists to exercise extreme caution when operating near power lines and other electrical infrastructure. Any incident involving GPL’s network should be reported immediately, and the affected area avoided until it has been declared safe,” it noted in a statement.
Back in April, GPL sought to recover a total of $30,645,189 from construction company China Railway First Group (Guyana) for losses incurred during roadworks along Dennis Street, Sophia.
On April 26, heavy-duty machinery operated by the construction company came into direct contact with the L10 transmission line linking the new Georgetown and Sophia substations, resulting in significant disruption of electricity supply to tens of thousands of customers across multiple communities.
Similarly, in June, GPL threatened legal action against an excavator operator and contracting firm, Avinash Contracting and Scrapmetal Inc, after the machinery came into contact with the company’s transmission line along the East Bank Demerara corridor.
The incident resulted in damage to critical transmission infrastructure and caused a service interruption affecting a number of customers across sections of Demerara.
Then in May of this year, GPL also sought to recover approximately $8 million from a contractor following transmission line damage during works at the Grove New Housing Scheme (Backlands) on the East Bank.