Home News Water disruption in Linden caused by damaged transformer due to freak storm...
The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) on Thursday clarified that the recent water supply disruption in Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was caused by the September 24, 2024 freak storm.
Against this backdrop, the utility company debunked public accusations made by regional politicians, including Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira, noting that the disruption was not due to GWI’s operational failure.
GWI explained that the storm caused significant damage to the electrical infrastructure, including the 800kVA transformer that powers the Wisroc Treatment Plant.
Additionally, GWI clarified also that the responsibility for maintaining and providing electricity to the plant lies with the Linden Utility Services Co-op Society Limited (LUSCSL).
Upon investigation, LUSCSL initially believed that the issue was due to damaged cables, which were promptly repaired. However, it was not until the following Saturday that LUSCSL confirmed the transformer had been severely damaged beyond repair.
In response, GWI said it acted swiftly, sourcing a replacement transformer from Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and ensuring its prompt delivery and installation in Linden. During this time, GWI utilised a generator to power the Wisroc Treatment Plant, ensuring that water was still delivered to some areas, albeit at a reduced capacity.
Guyana Times understands that efforts are ongoing to improve water supply infrastructure in Linden and surrounding areas. These include the drilling of new wells in Amelia’s Ward, Bamia, Rockstone, Old England, and Coomacka, as well as an upgrade to Amelia’s Ward Water Treatment Plant, which will see the addition of two new filters.
Moreover, the West Watooka Water Supply Project is set to provide spring water from the conservancy to replace the Demerara River as the primary water source.
A water loss reduction project is also underway to enhance service delivery to residents.
Impact of freak storm
Several houses in Linden were affected by heavy winds that buffeted the mining town on September 24, ripping off entire roofs of homes in some cases and leaving damaged structures exposed to the elements, even as a heavy downpour of rain brought its discomfiture of flash flooding that caused substantial inundation of the town.
According to Linden’s Town Clerk Lennox Gasper, the inclement weather has been a significant challenge in the region over the past weeks.
A total of 33 residents were given materials and assistance through Government intervention of materials to replace their roofs.
In fact, following the storm, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag, accompanied by officials of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), conducted a walkthrough exercise at several communities to aid affected residents.
Meanwhile, to tackle the issue of flooding in the region, an emergency meeting was held by the Regional Disaster Preparedness Team on September 27.
As a result of that meeting, an assessment was done in various communities across the town to improve the drainage and irrigation systems within these areas. However, due to the inclement weather, progress on this initiative has been delayed.
