….warns practice could be deadly
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), following the death of eight-year-old Mark Anthony August as a result of electricity theft at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, disclosed that it loses about $2B annually due to electricity theft, despite several rigid campaigns and prosecutions. GPL said yesterday that another family mourns the death of a loved one at the hands of unscrupulous electricity thieves. The company expressed its deepest sympathy to the family of Mark Anthony Persaud.
On July 31, 2010, GPL personnel, accompanied by the Police visited the Annandale North area and removed illegal connections. Two persons were arrested and are currently before the court. Inspite of the Company’s constant raids in Sophia, particularly Cummings Park and Section D, North & South Ruimveldt, Friendship, Plum Park, Angoy’s Avenue, Kaneville, Soesdyke and Annandale North, illegal connections are replaced within one day, GPL said.
GPL has been warning for years that the illegal networks pose an ever present danger to everyone in the communities in which they are present, particularly children. However, despite GPL’s efforts at curbing electricity theft, this unfortunate incident highlights the enormous challenge the Company faces from determined electricity thieves.
The utility company said the raids, arrests and prosecution of hundreds of individuals have served to reduce the prevalence of this scourge.
GPL added that 385 persons were charged for illegal connections this year and it has conducted numerous night raids in an effort to curb illegal connection in several areas.
The amendments to the Electricity Sector Reform Act 1999, which are currently before Parliament, are wide ranging; and when enacted; would impose stiffer penalties for stealing of electricity, including prosecution of perpetrators of electricity theft (meter tampering, by-pass and illegal connection).
GPL wishes to appeal to the public not to be involved in the establishment of illegal connections/networks. Electricity is extremely dangerous and the probability of death or serious injury is always high in cases of illegal connections.
Meanwhile, police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Mark Anthony Persaud of Annandale Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, which occurred at about 11:50 h on Sunday at Annandale.
Investigations revealed that Mark Anthony Persaud had gone fishing in a canal in the area when he came into contact with a live wire attached to a pole and running along the ground. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Leandrew Davis, 16, was also electrocuted when he held on to a fence while retrieving a football at Melanie Damishana playfield, East Coast Demerara, during a friendly game.
The home owner, whose fence was electrified, was charged for manslaughter.