Efforts ongoing to fix electricity problem at Port Kaituma

Aug 21, 2014 News

The shortage of electricity at Port Kaituma in Region One has been as a result of various

The Generator system at Port Kaituma

mechanical problems.
However, officials attached to the Hinterland Electrification System have said that efforts are underway to rectify the situation.
Yesterday, frustrated residents reported that the constant power outages have taken its toll on the community; especially those who operate businesses in the area.
One Port Kaituma businessman reported that the electricity problem has gone “from bad to worse.” He explained that a mechanical problem at the Port Kaituma Power & Light (PKPL) station, has once again resulted in a lack of electricity for more than two days.
The resident said that while some persons may have the “luxury of owning a generator,” most residents still have to pay for the service provided by PKPL.
“If it is not the big generator it’s the small one. The people of Port Kaituma have had it with the constant blackouts, especially the business people because we have perishables in our refrigerators…We are paying for a service and we can’t understand why it is not efficient,” the businessman lamented.
Within recent months, residents have experienced long power outages due to lack of fuel or mechanical problems associated with the power system responsible for the generation of electricity throughout the community.
Last July, residents reported that the PKPL had acquired a new generator but the system encountered several mechanical problems, in addition to issues with fuel.
It was also explained that there are two other generators, the 628 KVA and 500 KVA, which are under constant repairs owing to the lack of suitable parts. As such, a new engine had been purchased but residents claimed that it was burning excessive fuel.
This, residents say, was due to a problem with the fuel injector of the generator.
Kaieteur News understands that despite the complaints to authorities, the situation has escalated.
“Sometimes we go for two to three days without power. We want to know what is happening. When will this problem end? They need to call a community meeting and tell us what is going on,” one resident lamented.
When contacted, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, (HEP) Horace Williams explained that the root cause of the mechanical problem is the fuel used.
Williams said that HEP has since secured a new fuel filtration system for Port Kaituma and it is expected to arrive within the next two weeks.
“The quality of fuel that is used to generate power is not necessarily the best. Therefore, it would take an adequate filter to have the station up and running again,” he said.
Williams explained that they have resorted to the “next best thing” which is; purchasing a new filtration system as well as a protection system for the generator.
The CEO noted that the electrification committee is cognizant of its responsibility to the residents of the area, hence efforts are ongoing to rectify the problem.

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