President David Granger, on Saturday commissioned a US$3.4M power station at Dogg Point, Agatash in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), where he noted that it will bring unprecedented relief to residents who have experienced severe power outages over the years.
In his address at a simple ceremony, the president said it is inconceivable that Guyana can be on a path of development and ignore the evolution of its hinterland communities.
He is quoted by the Public Information and Press Services Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency as saying that the hinterland development must be accelerated to ensure greater equality and the Government has started to reduce and remove hinterland underdevelopment. In this regard, he noted that energy security is essential to hinterland evolution as the enlargement of the economy, the expansion of employment opportunities and the improvement in the quality of life, require investments in energy generation. This is so, particularly in regions where investment and income levels are below the national average, he said.
The Head of State noted that while the Government is committed irrevocably, to moving closer to the goal of 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2030, it also recognizes the importance of ensuring adequate, accessible and affordable energy supplies during this period of transition.
He said the energy security during the transition phase will deliver development and that transition measures will be implemented and initiatives undertaken to ensure that the demand for energy is met during the transition phase.
In the interim, the President noted, the new power plant will greatly enhance operations and business in the town.
“The new 3.3 megawatt Power Generation Plant, which is being commissioned is of great importance at the municipal, regional and national levels. The new Bartica Power Plant replaces the old plant, which has inflicted intolerable electricity disruptions on the town. Those days are behind us. This plant will guarantee a stable and reliable supply of electricity. The Plant’s generating capacity will exceed the town’s peak demand, with sufficient spare capacity to cater for the town’s short to medium-term power needs. The Plant will not displace the renewable energy sources which will one day power, entirely, Bartica,” he is quoted as saying.
The President added that the Plant, at the municipal level, will assure the town’s households, businesses and Government agencies an adequate, stable and reliable source of electricity, will eliminate the frequent power outages and will encourage business expansion, since its total generating capacity exceeds the existing peak demand for power.
