Electrical and Infrastructure audit...Parliament Building’s electrical system represents a fire hazard

Electrical and Infrastructure audit…Parliament Building’s electrical system represents a fire hazard

Jun 09, 2016 News

Parliament Building’s electrical installation is in a dangerous state. It represents a fire hazard to the building and its occupants.
This was according to an audit which was conducted into the Electrical Installation and Main Infrastructure of the building. The report was prepared by Electrical Consultant, Mr. Andrew Ramcharran.

An audit into the electrical and main infrastructure of Parliament Building has revealed that the electrical installation is in a dangerous situation and represents a fire hazard to the building and occupants.

The consultant used words such as “disgusting”, “disgracefulness” and “repulsive” to describe the present situation of these mechanisms at the building which he said, “has been in neglect for many years”.
Ramcharran was harsh on the “untrained, inexperienced electricians”, while noting that the neglect was also due to the lack of oversight by Parliament Administration and a monitoring and evaluation programme.
The primary objective of the audit was to examine the present electrical installation, prepare a report stating the issues and make recommendations to fix same.
It was also stated in the report that these recommendations to upgrade must be in keeping with modern standards – the National Electrical Code (NEC) of America, and adapted by Guyana.
In-depth examinations were carried out in various areas such as Utility Supply, Standby Generator and the Main Switch Gear.
Conclusion
“There are layers upon layers of electrical wiring and conduits upon each other dating back since the Parliament Building was first wired to present day,” the Consultant stated in his report.
He also stated that most of the old, unserviceable wires are still energised. New equipment is being added and existing installation were being ignored thus creating a confused situation.
The consultant came to the conclusion that it “appears” as if Parliament Building’s Administration only makes repairs and replacement when urgently needed, while adding that there is no long term forward planning.
“The parliament building administration needs to hire a consultant to prepare a more detailed restoration/upgrade plan inclusive of costs and timeline of completion as per phase.
Re-design the interior layout, execute and manage the entire restoration/upgrade the entire building catering for its future needs and expansion for years to come for our challenging legislators, are also some of the recommendations.
The report consisted of pictures showing the irregularities which include the fuel reservoir standing unprotected; exposed live wires; dust accumulation; loose wires, missing trunking covers; wires bracing against sharp metal trunking and improper connections; damaged switches and power outlets; and wires being joined “unprofessionally”.
The report also showed the H- structure which accommodates the two transformers at the back of the building, deteriorating.
Recommendations
Among some of the recommendations put forward by the auditor was that rewiring be done at the earliest opportunity and done in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) of America and Guyana’s regulations.
The auditor also noted that the past Government of Guyana had adapted the NEC but did not assent it into law.
Recommendations to have some amount of remedial works to be done “immediately” were also made by the auditor.
“A licence and experience Electrical Contractor/firm must be employed to carry out the proposed rewiring and upgrading of the Electrical Installation Main Infrastructure Works and Civil works as will be required” was one of the recommendations.
The auditors concluded, “This is the Parliament Building of our beloved Guyana and the electrical installation main infrastructure and the building internal installation must be of the highest standard so as not to allow a fault when our Parliament is in session thus embarrassing our Country”. (Suraj Narine)

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One thought on “Electrical and Infrastructure audit…Parliament Building’s electrical system represents a fire hazard”

Buxton June 9, 2016 at 8:27 pm

Closed it down since it is a question of safety

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