For the umpteenth time someone has died by electrocution caused by yet another illegal electrical connection. The latest victim of this irresponsible, reckless and lawless act has been an innocent eight-year old at Annandale on Sunday. One could well imagine the shock, anguish, agony and trauma being faced by the child’s parents, siblings and relatives and friends. In fact all decent minded citizens should be concerned about such a tragedy.
It is always painful when someone dies but when an innocent child dies, especially due to the recklessness and irresponsible behaviour of others, it is even more agonising.
It boggles the mind how some people could be so heartless not to think about the dangers and hazards they subject others to; just because of their selfish motives.
This tragic death may not be the last one of this nature and therefore it is imperative that GPL in collaboration embark on a sustained aggressive campaign to stamp out this illegal practice which endangers lives and limbs.
At the same time these illegal acts are causing loss of vital revenue to GPL which is struggling to return to efficiency and profitability.
Sometime ago GPL had embarked on a campaign against illegal connections which reaped some degree of success but if this was sustained is another matter. However, it is clear that the problem may be more widespread than estimated, thus the power company needs to intensify its campaign in this respect.
But the responsibility of ridding our society of this problem must not be left solely with the power company, rather it should be the civic duty of every citizen to help police with this problem and make reports when he/she is aware of person(s) who may be involved in this dangerous illegal act. After all everyone is exposed to the danger, therefore it is the duty of everyone to help each other from being exposed to danger.
Too often people in communities are aware of persons who engage in these dangerous practices but turn a blind eye. This should not be the approach. As our national poet Martin Carter said: “All are involved, all are consumed.”
Another aspect of this problem that should be examined is the issue of corrupt GPL employees who are actually in collaboration with those engaged in illegal connection. Those who are found guilty should be dealt with in the most severe possible manner within the realm of the law.
There are some who argue that people cannot afford to pay for electricity and that is why they steal it. This is balderdash because not being able to afford to pay for electricity does not give someone the right to endanger the lives of others. In any case, if such an argument is used to justify the stealing of electricity then this argument could be extended to anything one cannot afford to pay. So for example if one cannot afford to pay for a car, he or she should steal it.
Recently the Prime Minister correctly pointed out during the debate of the Electricity Reform Bill that in most developing countries it is not uncommon for there to be high commercial losses, but he maintained that as Guyana develops, the country has to change the culture that has been adopted in some sections.
“Tough action, a tough stance is often a requirement for change,” he said alluding to the provisions made by the Amendment.
Therefore we cannot allow a few reckless persons to fiddle with the lives of others. Life is precious and irreplaceable.