Zeelugt residents affected by bee infestation

Some 40 households at Zeelugt on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) have been affected by an infestation of bees on a pole belonging to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
Councillor of Constituency Four at Zeelugt, Poorandai Sukhu informed Guyana Times on Thursday that the issue started some four months ago and has affected multiple persons. She noted that persons are not allowed to create any noise since this triggers the bees to escape from their habitat, a nest on the pole.
Adding to that, residents closest to the nest are left with no other option but to desist from turning on lights at night since the insects are attracted to the illuminating medium, resulting in persons being stung.
Speaking with this publication on the matter, Amanda (only name provided) said the issue arose since November 2018 and when contacted about the issue, officials from GPL contended that the problem should be dealt with by the respective Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
“We can’t even put on the light in the night so it’s really affecting us. The bees sting me before and I have grandchildren coming on the weekend and we can’t keep them in front the yard so we want the people to come and remove this bee from here,” said the disturbed woman.
Another resident, Shazo, stated, “My children can’t do their school work because when the light on, the bee them flying in the kitchen and in the house, and it also sting me two times”.
According to the Councillor, the Uitvlugt-Tuschen NDC was briefed on the matter and residents were informed that the utility company is responsible for removing the bees. However, GPL has made no efforts to address the matter.
“So far, no one came to look at the issue. It will be like forty houses that are affected. Up to yesterday (Wednesday), I spoke with the Chairman of the NDC and he said the matter is at GPL’s hands for them to come and see what they can do,” said Sukhu.
“Persons can’t come out of their house if someone make a little noise or else the bees will come out. Some of them already get bitten by the bees more than once and it has been over four months. The community wants to know what can be done because it’s very hazardous,” the Councillor added.
She related that there is a recreational facility a short distance away and when music is played loudly, many persons are up in arms with their distresses. They are moreover, concerned that young children will be stung by the insects, which can be disastrous.
Several calls by this publication to GPL went unanswered.