Latest update June 17th, 2026 12:01 AM
Toppled utility poles plunge Nabacalis into darkness
Several utility poles toppled and started a domino effect that plunged Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) into darkness yesterday. The incident also knocked out telephone communication in that village and several neighbouring communities or Paradise, Melanie Damishana and Enmore.
Residents of Middle Walk, Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara said that the poles had not been changed in decades. A lack of maintenance by Guyana Power Light (GPL) is responsible for the catastrophe that occurred through the side street.
“Is a lucky thing no schoolchildren or elderly person was not walking under the pole at the time it collapsed,” one resident said. He also noted that several young people had dashed and plunged into the drains to safety.
This occurred after 15:00 hours. GPL quickly rushed to the scene while GT&T operatives were also dispatched to assist in rectifying service to the village.
A GPL truck with four new utility poles was seen entering the village. Irate residents noted, “Is only when things reach the last stage then things does happen in Guyana. GPL received many complaints about one pole catching afire and the need to repair or exchanged the pole. Now look what happen.”
Five utility poles were uprooted while several others in nearby streets were also leaning precariously, merely supported by the electrical and telephone wires.
Almost all the utility poles in the village need changing, residents said. Although a utility pole ignited in flames Tuesday and a fire engine was at the scene, before GPL operatives visited the scene, nothing was done.
“Imagine a pole with heavy wild bush at the top on the transformer and GPL people ain’t cleaning or taking things seriously when we report it,” one woman lamented. “Now the place in blackout, imagine when it got light thief man coming into the yard and thief much less when the entire place in blackout now.”
Underscoring that the poles started falling suddenly, residents said they are thankful no one was injured. They would like the relevant authorities to acknowledge the danger people face because of lack of maintenance and support.
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