ENet has suffered damage to its fiber cable under the Essequibo River caused by a marine vessel, resulting in disrupted internet and TV services along the Essequibo Coast. Mobile services, however, are fully operational. Swift action has been taken by the company, with an overseas team mobilised for repair, and investigations into the incident are currently underway.
The fiber optic cable, a pioneering infrastructure installed in July 2021 to enhance connectivity to the Essequibo coast, has faced its first fault.
Despite detailed marking of underwater cables on electronic maps supplied by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and international agencies for navigation awareness, tug and barge operations have been pictured anchored near ENet’s cable.
This incident is not isolated, as similar disruptions have been experienced by other major utility companies. Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) have recently experienced damages to their submarine cables across the Demerara River, caused by works carried out by oil and gas contractors, with repairs still pending.
These damages have not only incurred signficant costs, but also impacted internet, telephone, and power services for customers in affected regions.
Marine vessels have also been responsible for damage to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which suffered two collisions in one month. In September 2022, a tug and its tow collided with the bridge, throwing it out of alignment and causing standstill traffic on both sides, and crippling activity in the region.
These incidents highlight the challenges and risks posed to critical infrastructure by increased marine traffic, driven partly by rising demand for stone and heightened oil and gas contractor activity. It also emphasises the national interest for greater adherence to navigation guidelines and awareness of critical infrastructure locations to prevent further disruptions.
In a statement to the press, ENet assures its customers that efforts are underway for a full restoration of its fiber optic internet and TV services along the Essequibo Coast. The company acknowledges the severity of this disruption and is committed to swift restoration efforts to minimise inconvenience to subscribers. ENet extends appreciation for the patience and understanding of its subscribers during this period.
For further updates, customers are encouraged to check ENet’s social media pages.
