West Berbice residents fear serious harm as Africanized Bees overtake rotting utility pole

Residents of McKenzie Street, Rosignol, West Berbice, say they are living in fear as a deteriorating utility pole has become heavily infested with Africanized bees, creating a growing safety hazard for the community. Despite repeated complaints to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), residents report that the only action taken so far has been to strap the weakened pole to a nearby one — a temporary fix they believe is wholly insufficient.

The pole, which provides electricity to roughly seven households, has reportedly been in poor condition for more than six years. Its worsening structural state, combined with the presence of aggressive Africanized bees, has left residents increasingly anxious.

The situation escalated recently after a man in the community was stung and had to be hospitalized. Residents told Ignite News that the bees have become more active in recent days, increasing their fear of another incident.

One resident, Sembenlien George, said the threat has confined her indoors.

“I’m very, very scared. I have clothes to wash, but I can’t wash them now. I can’t do anything. I have a grandchild, and to be honest, I’m so scared because if they should fly, I can’t save myself. We have to prepare for whatever comes out of it. We are hoping that some authority can come and get rid of the bees, but I don’t know how they are going to get up there because the pole is very much rotten.”

Longtime resident Joseph Brutus, 79, said he has complained for years about the decaying pole, which he believes now poses a severe threat.

“The pole has bees all in it, the pole is rotten. It’s been there for 20-something years, and we’ve been telling them that the post is bad, but they decided to put another pole to hold it. That can’t hold it. If that breaks, the whole neighborhood would be in trouble. And those are Africanized bees! I can’t run. I wouldn’t be able to get away. It’s a big problem here.”

Another resident, Elsie Branche, expressed fear for the safety of children who frequently walk along the busy track.

“We’re scared of the bees because we live on a busy track, and kids are always coming and going. It’s really not safe. A guy got stung and had to go to the hospital.”

Residents say they fear it is only a matter of time before a more serious or even fatal incident occurs if authorities do not intervene urgently to remove the bees and replace the damaged pole.