Last updated Sunday, 20 December 2020, 10:58 by Denis Chabrol
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill examines the newly acquired genset at Mabaruma Power Station
Residents and businesses in the western Guyanese town of Mabaruma now have 24 hours of electricity supply, with the installation of a new generator, the government said.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the cost of the new generator is ALL $ 9.9 million.
The generator was installed at Mabaruma Power Station in Region One (Barima-Waini). Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said he was satisfied with the installation of the generator installed to serve the regional capital.
“I am delighted that the engine arrived on Thursday, and today on Saturday it is already installed and operational. So that’s an immediate relief for the people of Mabaruma ,, ”he was quoted as saying by the government’s Department of Public Information.
Chairman of District One Council, Mr Brentnol Ashley said the new generator replaced the previous one that was damaged. “Stealing the crankshaft from the 750kVa genset would have mushroomed, and other problems would have arisen as a result of the Government intervention to get a new generator so that the Mabaruma people would not be procured capable of suffering power cuts additional. He said. He said the 750 KVA Perkins generator would complement the Doosan 500 KVA.
That generator was reportedly damaged two months ago due to lack of maintenance due to the previous Regional Executive not adhering to the generator maintenance plan, Mr Ashley told News-Talk Radio Guyana / Demerara Waves Online News. He said that had resulted in residents receiving 20 hours of electricity.
Mabaruma has a population of about 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman said Matthews Ridge residents would get more electricity supply with the arrival of a generator on Sunday to Port Kaituma. That generator, he said, is expected to be installed by Sunday. At present, Matthews Ridge has no electricity, he said, because the generator stopped working a week ago.
He also said Manawarin and Waramuri would soon be getting electricity for the first time with grid expansion.