Both mobile power generating sets which were released from the Guyana Power Light Inc. (GPL) just over a week ago to help supply electricity in Linden were in operation yesterday.

However, shortly after noon, one of the units had to be taken off the system for maintenance and servicing. Sources said the unit should have been back in operation by last night.

This resulted in residents receiving an alternate supply of electricity and water in Linden, reports said.

Reports indicated that the Wismar/Mackenie bridge was still blocked yesterday but the community was returning to normalcy.

While the Mackenzie Hospital was receiving power supply, the bridge pump which is responsible for pumping water for the Mackenzie plant was down, officials said.

Regular electricity supply to Linden broke down on March 30 following the failure of the steam plant operated by the privately owned Linden Power Company (LPC), which is now in receivership.

Residents took to the streets in protest, in the process blocking the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge which serves as an essential link for several sectors including, gold, lumber and bauxite.

As a result, the Government announced urgent measures to remedy the situation.

President Bharrat Jagdeo led a high-powered delegation to Linden last Friday, to meet residents and key stakeholders on the electricity situation caused by the collapsed steam power plant.

The President updated the community on decisions taken to deal with the situation.

These include:
* Two Caterpillar sets leased from MACORP, local Caterpillar distributor, left Miami via ship last Friday and are scheduled to arrive in Guyana within two weeks. The two 1.5MW sets will cost $10M a month to subsidise power supply to Linden consumers.

* President Jagdeo gave the green light to Omai Gold Mines Limited to construct a 9 megawatt power station in Linden as part of Omai' s investment in LINMINE (Linden Mining Enterprise).

* Omai's 70% take over of LINMINE is set to take effect within the next three months.

* The President also made a commitment to explore the possibilities of re-scheduling loan payments through the Minister of Finance for businesses affected by the situation.

* President Jagdeo is scheduled to return to Linden tomorrow, and the Head of State also promised to make further follow-up visits until the power supply stabilises.

While in Linden, the President and Leader of the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Mr. Robert Corbin interacted for about 15 minutes on the Linden power situation at the Watooka Guest House.

The President also met key stakeholders at an official forum where concerns were raised.

Representatives came from LINMINE; the Linden Chamber of Commerce; the Mayor and Town Council; the Regional Administration, and several other interest groups.

After the briefing at the Watooka Guest House, the President accompanied by Mr. Corbin proceeded to the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge where he addressed the residents of Linden and listened to issues they raised.