Electrical problems cost GHS thousands in equipment

The Girls’ High School has lost thousands of dollars worth of equipment, including 40 computers, monitors and air-conditioning units, as a result of electrical problems the school experienced last week.{{more}}

At press time, the Ministry of Education was preparing to hold discussions with the St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (VINLEC), with a view to having the equipment replaced.

Chief Executive Officer of VINLEC Thornley Myers confirmed to SEARCHLIGHT that VINLEC had experienced problems with its supply of electricity in that area during the week in question.

He said that it took a few days for their engineers to determine what the problems were and they were identified and rectified on Friday, April 17th.

Myers told SEARCHLIGHT that the problems stemmed from the break down of an insulated electrical wire.

Myers dispelled rumours that were starting to circulate about the cause of the problems. He said that according to the information he has received, the problems were caused by an insulation failure and foul play was not suspected.

Myers told SEARCHLIGHT that VINLEC has also received reports of some loss of equipment from the Venezuelan Embassy next door to the Girls’ High School, and one household, which also claimed to have suffered damage to some appliances.

So when smoke was seen emanating from the school’s staff room at around 11am on Tuesday, April 21st, it was these problems, from the previous week that were uppermost in the minds of the school authorities.

A fire alarm was raised and staff and students evacuated the compound. About 40 minutes later, the students were sent home for the day.

The Ministry of Education closed the school the following day, April 22nd, and after an examination by officials from the Electrical Inspectorate of the Ministry of Transport and Works the compound was declared safe by Electrical Inspector Garfield Jack.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday evening, Jack told SEARCHLIGHT that the problem on Tuesday, April 21st was not directly connected to those which had occurred the previous week.

He said that Tuesday’s problem was caused when a small transformer into which a microwave was plugged, malfunctioned.

Jack said that it was really a simple problem, but the problems of the previous week obviously caused the school officials to act with an abundance of caution.

“It is really last week that created the problem,” Jack said, as he gave the assurance that the school was safe for students and staff to return.

He, however, said that some electrical repairs need to be done but the work can be done while the building is occupied.