Region 2 RDC calls on Govt to “step up”

Power outages

Following the recent power outages experienced in the northern end of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Regional Democratic Council  (RDC) is calling for an honest explanation from the leadership of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and more precisely the Government of Guyana regarding the reasons for the frequent power outages within the Region.

On Friday and Saturday, residents living in villages stretching from Charity to Zorg en Vlygt were thrown into darkness for almost 40 hours. This caused great inconvenience to those small businesses as well as housewives.

Even as the blackouts are happening, no public notice/advisory or easily accessible information was provided by the power company. This lack of information created discomfort for residents, particularly micro entrepreneurs and, by extension, the business community who were caught unprepared.

Region Two RDC Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that residents were suffering and someone needed to be accountable as persons were counting their daily losses. Ramdatt said many livelihoods were affected and as such, it was having a negative effect on the struggling economy.

“The RDC calls on the Government of Guyana to consult the people of Region Two and provide early answers regarding future developmental plans to provide reliable power supply.”

In explaining his concerns also, Essequibo Chambers of Commerce President Deleep Singh expressed his dissatisfaction with GPL. Singh said the constant blackouts were hurting local industries and many persons were suffering.

Guyana Times understands that the generator set at Anna Regina is currently having mechanical problems. The Wärtsilä generator set has been obsolete and often times would malfunction. In 2016, the plant burst into flames hence sending persons into darkness. Residents are seeking answers as to why the Region is experiencing so many blackouts. They are also seeking answers as to when the new generators would be purchased as promised by the David Granger Administration when it took office.