The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) says a contractor’s “dangerously negligent” operation along the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday morning placed public safety at risk and threatened the stability of the national electricity network.
In a statement, GPL said that at about 08:15h, it observed an extended concrete pump operated by RZND Concrete and Delivery Company positioned perilously over a 69,000-volt transmission line.
GPL explained that the 69kV line is a key link between its Sophia and Good Hope substations, transmitting electricity to Regions Four and Five. The power company warned that a single miscalculation could have damaged the line and triggered a major system failure, potentially causing widespread outages across the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System and affecting tens of thousands of customers.
Beyond service disruption, GPL said the incident posed a risk of serious injury or death, endangering workers, residents, and nearby property, and also created significant financial implications.
GPL said it immediately alerted the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which detained company representatives, and notified the Ministry of Labour due to what it described as a blatant disregard for safety protocols.
The utility has again urged contractors and members of the public to follow safety standards and industry best practices when working near electrical infrastructure, advising that anyone planning work in such areas should contact GPL at 226-2600 beforehand.
“Failure to comply places lives, property, and the stability of the national electricity network in jeopardy,” GPL said, warning that it will not tolerate similar incidents and that parties found liable will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
