The PNCR is calling for an independent enquiry into the operations of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) in the wake of numerous blackouts in recent weeks and its inability to access fuel in a timely manner.
The party also called for a similar probe into the functions, management and operations of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
At the party’s weekly press conference yesterday, it said it is now clear that the GPL is a “train wreck” that has to be stopped. “At several of our press conferences, the PNCR has referred to the mismanagement and corruption in that organisation which recently manifested itself in the increased blackouts and the inability to access fuel on a timely manner,” a press release issued at the briefing said.
The party said that given the troubles in the energy and water sectors, each passing day brings more “irrefutable evidence” of the mismanagement and corruption, which the PPP/C regime has “shamelessly” inflicted on this country.
President Bharrat Jagdeo recently removed Chairman of GPL Ronald Alli and called for Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Joseph O’Lall to be sent off on administrative leave after the bungling of acquisition of fuel, causing the company to switch to the more costly diesel instead of heavy fuel oil. This cost the company about $23 million per day.
The party said that simply removing the chairman of GPL will not restore the corporation to any kind of financial and managerial health. “It must be thoroughly re-organised and rationalised with systems firmly in place to eradicate corruption and mismanagement. This can only be done by an independent enquiry into GPL. The PNCR calls immediately for such an enquiry,” the statement said.
“In the judgement of this party, the [GWI] is showing the same signs of stress and lack of direction which led to the fiasco at GPL. Increas-ingly, Guyanese are being provided with very little potable water, too many areas of the country are left without the necessary commodity and, certainly, there is no plan or programme, which has graced the public domain, as to how GWI will carry out its duty of ensuring that every Guyanese enjoys his/her human right to water.”
Recently, the GWI hired Karan Singh as its CEO after a change of management contractors. However, questions had been raised over Singh’s management when he ran the water utility during the days of the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commission.
“In the circumstances, the PNCR urges the PPP/C administration to take the required steps now, by launching a thorough investigation into the functions, management and operations of the GWI, before another disaster befalls the nation,” the PNCR said.
“There are signs, which every right-thinking Guyanese, and especially the Government of Guyana, should pay close attention to: the discoloured water flowing through the taps; the large sums of money that the GWI is seeking to recover; reports of discrimination and harassment of employees; the sense that the organisation is being overwhelmed by the problem it is supposed to manage; and the distinct impression that the GWI has lost its managerial and social compass,” the statement said.
