LCDS Hinterland Electrification Programme to be launched shortly

TIMES INT'L

The majority of hinterland households, which include 80 per cent of the Amerindian population, are at present without access to basic electricity. The government will shortly launch the LCDS Hinterland Electrification Programme, which will rectify this by providing access to clean and renewable energy.

The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will install solar home systems in 10,500 Amerindian households in about 135 unserved Amerindian communities. The programme will cater for all components of the solar system, including installation costs, transportation, wiring, light fittings, maintenance, and management training.

Tender bids were publicly invited by the Office of the Prime Minister, on April 8, for the supply of solar home systems, to be submitted by May 31. The programme is being executed by the Project Management Office, Office of the President, with the Office of the Prime Minister being responsible for procurement and monitoring activities, with support from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

Each village council will be responsible for the management and maintenance of their system. The programme provides for personnel from each village to be trained to maintain the systems, and residents in each village will pay a monthly contribution to a fund for maintenance services managed by the Village Council. The project will expand access to clean and affordable energy throughout Amerindian communities in the hinterland, and is a main component of the LCDS. It plays a major role in achieving the Millennium Decelopment Goals for sustainable development in Guyana.

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