Negligent motorists, contractors to be charged, fined for damaging GPL infrastructure

Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar, Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have decided to institute charges against reckless motorists and contractors for damages caused to GPL’s network infrastructure.
GPL on Friday engaged with stakeholders to express their concerns and encourage action against errant motorists and contractors operating machinery and executing unsupervised work near the company’s network.
According to a GPL statement, this meeting came after a number of pleas made by the company, which appeared to be generally unheeded.

“This year alone, the company has recorded 25 incidents related to its network, stemming from the negligence of contractors and motorists. These incidents have resulted in widespread service disruptions for customers in Demerara and Berbice, incurring substantial costs for the company for repairs and loss of revenue,” the statement read.
They further noted that the company’s Board of Directors, management, and staff continue to be subjected to ridicule as a result of these widespread outages.
As such, to address this matter on a higher level, charges will be instituted and fines imposed under Section 160 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01 and Section 61 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) 802 for damage to property.
GPL will also initiate civil proceedings in the High Court to seek compensation for damages incurred and other consequential losses related to its network infrastructure.
Contractors are reminded of the importance of ensuring supervised equipment operation and safe working practices close to the company’s network.
Private contractors and Government agencies executing infrastructural works within close proximity – approximately 20 feet – to GPL’s network are required to notify the company within 72 hours prior to commencing work to ensure the safe execution of work.