Power cuts in Lethem after bridge collapses

After a bridge collapsed between Kurupukari and Mabura, Region 10, Lethem and surrounding communities are experiencing power cuts.

According to resident of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, the bridge collapsed last Friday. Chairman of the Lethem Power Company (LMPCI) John Macedo, said after the bridge collapsed, the company was still able to supply electricity to the communities on a 24-hour basis for a time, but has been forced to restrict power to the hours of 7pm to 5am over the past few days.

The limited power supply is a result of a fuel shortage, because tankers from Georgetown cannot cross the bridge.

He said, however, that yesterday afternoon, the company sent an empty tanker to the bridge with a view to filling it from the full tanker on the other side via a hose. As a consequence the electricity supply is expected to return to normal shortly.

Macedo added that the company had also sought to get fuel from Brazil but had been told by Customs officials that they would have to go through the legal process in order to get fuel into the Lethem. This process, Macedo said, was a very lengthy one.

This newspaper was told that the bridge is expected to be back in working order by tomorrow.