VINLEC has welcomed two teams of linemen from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to aid in restoration efforts in the Southern Grenadines.
On July 21, five linemen from APUA arrived, followed by a three-man team from the BVIEC on July 24.
Both teams have been deployed to Canouan, where they are collaborating with local contractors and VINLEC Linemen to carry out essential restorative work on the island.
Power has been restored to the central commercial area in Canouan, along with a few essential services, including the Police Station, Coastguard Base, Canouan Airport and the health clinic. Contractors have also been dispatched to Mayreau and Union Island to assist with repairs to the transmission and distribution networks.
“Our power stations in Mayreau and Canouan are operational; however, the power station on Union Island remains out of service due to significant damage,” VINLEC said in a press release.
“Repairs and maintenance work are underway at the Union Island plant to provide an interim solution to generate electricity as soon as possible for the island, while more permanent and resilient fixes are being developed for the power station and generation challenges.
“VINLEC extends its gratitude to customers for their continued patience and support. Together, with the assistance of our regional partners and the resilience of our communities, we are making progress towards full recovery,” the company said.
What a delight it was this morning to see linemen from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority here on Mayreau working with our local and mainland VINLEC fellows. It is so encouraging to see the progress they’re making. Each step forward lifts a little of the heavy load off our shoulders. Thank you, thank you Antigua and St. Vincent for remembering Mayreau and sending such capable help for our local VINLEC guys.
Great to see linesman from Antigua and BVI where I have worked as linesman on the job.