Latest update December 4th, 2024 2:40 AM
Bartica braces for more blackouts as Caterpillar engine fails
Residents of Bartica, Region Seven, have to brace for more load-shedding during peak hours as the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) scramble to rectify the cause of the power supply shortages.
Bartica residents protesting prolonged power outages in that Region Seven community.
In a statement yesterday, the power company said that efforts to put into operation the No. 9 Caterpillar set at Bartica did not materialize as envisioned. GPL had been banking on repairs to the engine to bring stability and had earlier yesterday signaled this.
The statement followed protests by residents there yesterday over continuous outages for several days.
“Tripping of the main switch at less than maximum rated load was experienced even after a replacement switch was installed earlier today (yesterday). Further investigation to determine the cause of the trips, is required, but cannot be pursued until the No. 8 comes online.”
GPL said that it had to retain the services of the local Caterpillar representative, MACORP, to help identify and correct defects on the No. 8 as quickly as possible.
“Establishment of a reliable supply from this unit will allow for taking the No. 9 offline to address the problem causing restriction to its available output. Given the restriction to full utilization of the capacity of the unit in operation, we are constrained to institute load-shedding during both day and night.” The company said that a comprehensive load-shedding guide, “designed to minimize inconvenience to residents in all areas, will be issued” today.
“We appeal for patience and understanding from the residents of Bartica as every effort is being made to restore a reliable uninterrupted power supply. Residents are also advised to check TARZIE television station for advisory notices.”
Constant power outages and load shedding within the past four to three weeks have infuriated residents, forcing them to picket the power company’s branch office in Bartica.
Simona Broomes, a resident of Bartica and President of the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization, do not believe that any amount of repairs to the engines could rectify the problem.
Broomes said she is anxiously awaiting the installation of the New 3 x 2 MW HFO fired power station at Bartica since it has been experiencing regular power outages for numerous years and nothing substantial had been done.
She believes the power outages and load shedding are as a result of the old engines used by GPL to generate electricity for Bartica, which has been expanding with new housing establishments. Moreover, the town, which is a gateway to many of the interior locations, has been welcoming many new businesses, thanks to the thriving gold and diamond mining industries.
Broomes dismissed comments made by Gordon Bradford, Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council that she and other residents had objected to GPL placing generators in the area.
Broomes clarified that she had objected to the specific placement of the generators. Apparently, GPL had placed the generator sets on the roadway designated for the Westminster Housing Scheme without any environmental impact assessment.
According to a resident, the constant power outages have been devastating residents and business entities. Lengthy power outages have caused her perishables to spoil. And, costly electrical appliances have been destroyed owing to load shedding.
“The entire Bartica is suffering…This is not one and two avenues, is the entire place…We need better services…We pay our taxes and electricity bills on time,” the resident said.
She lamented that residents are forced to retire to bed early or endure high gasoline bill.
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