Seek Chinese help to restore power
Published:Monday | August 5, 2024 | 12:07 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
There are communities which are still without power after one month of the passing of Hurricane Beryl. It’s a scenario that sounds almost apocalyptic, yet it has become a reality for many. As the days dragged on, it felt eerily reminiscent of the biblical story where being “four days late” signified a significant delay. In this case, over 30 days without electricity is more than just late — it’s a crisis that demands immediate and effective solutions.
For those who work remotely, having no electricity is more than an inconvenience; it’s a disruption of livelihood. The modern economy is increasingly dependent on a stable power supply. Remote workers, small businesses, and large corporations alike rely on electricity for communication, productivity, and overall functionality. Without it, the daily grind grinds to a halt.
Bulletins promising restoration have been posted, yet the power remains off in many areas, days or even weeks after the initial promise. What’s more frustrating is that these areas have little to no visible damage. One can’t help but wonder: why wasn’t help sought sooner? Why were the experts from China or China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), renowned for their rapid and effective infrastructure solutions, not called in to save the day?
While I’m no electrical or structural engineer, it’s hard to ignore the visible and tangible effects of this prolonged power outage. Yes, damage assessments and repairs take time, but 30 days is excessive, bordering on the embarrassing and unforgivable. What’s worse is that the bills keep coming, with no service or notice of a rebate in sight. In fact, estimated bills in these circumstances feel almost unethical.
The suggestion that Chinese expertise could have mitigated this issue sooner isn’t far-fetched. China’s track record in handling massive infrastructure projects swiftly and efficiently is well documented. Their involvement might have meant a shorter outage period, less disruption to daily life, and perhaps a more transparent and accountable process from our power service providers.
Living without power for so many days brings to light the sheer dependency we have on electricity. It underscores the challenges of our modern world, where everything from cooking to communicating depends on a stable power supply. For remote workers, it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of their work environment.
The prolonged power outage is a wake-up call. It calls for better preparedness, faster response times, and a willingness to seek help from global experts when needed. The Chinese could, indeed, have been the saviours of our power issues; maybe next time they should be.
LEROY FEARON