DESPITE the successes achieved as a result of millions of dollars in capital investments, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) continue to face numerous challenges in providing a reliable supply of electricity – a situation that would be mitigated with the advent of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project.At least this is according to General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Mr. Clement Rohee, who on Tuesday last, during his party’s weekly media briefing said, “Given the circumstances surrounding the electricity sector, our Party wishes to remind that the long term solution for cheap and reliable energy is the materialisation of the Amaila Hydro project.”

Rohee’s comment came on the heels of a pronouncement by, none other than Guyanese Head of State, Donald Ramotar who, in his New Year’s address to the nation, spoke to imminent financial closure for the project – the largest ever to be undertaken in Guyana’s history.

President Ramotar at the time of his address had said, “I am pleased to announce that Norway has transferred earnings from our partnership of approximately US$80M to the Inter-American Development Bank to fund part of Guyana’s equity share in the project.”

The President is of the opinion that the move on the part of Norway and the IDB represents a significant accomplishment which “demonstrates that all partners have strong confidence in Amaila.”

The project is once again moving forward, he declared.

The Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project is being promulgated as the flagship of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) at a cost of some US$858M.

Rohee, during his media engagement on Tuesday last, in reference to the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, said “Guyana’s rapid and unprecedented development demands this visionary and transformative initiative as part of the efforts to build a brighter future for all…The challenges faced by GPL would clearly be mitigated by this project.”
Rohee was adamant of the party’s cognisance of the power company’s difficult challenges in delivering on its mandate namely, the provision of a holistic reliable supply of electricity across the country.
“It is in this context that our Party recognises and commends the efforts of GPL as it strives through its current expansion projects to realise a reliable supply of electricity to all.”
Rohee said too that the realisation of the flagship hydro project will inevitably provide the related services and relief the citizens, local and foreign investors demand and it remains vital for the development trajectory Guyana has embarked on.
“The PPP therefore remains hopeful that following the dawn of the New Year, the Opposition would shed its proclivity for partisan politics and come to the realisation of the importance of the Amaila Hydro project.”

Such a realisation, he said, would result in the Opposition cease denying Guyanese the related benefits of this much needed endeavour.

“We believe that if the Opposition is honestly concerned about the welfare of Guyanese and the building of a better Guyana, 2015 provides yet another opportunity for them to engage in genuine self-redemption…This, if successful, can lead to support of this project which has the potential to catapult Guyana’s development, allowing it to attain the status of a developed nation.”

Sithe Global, the major partner which had acquired the licence to develop the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project, backed out of the initiative in August, 2013 last following a divided vote in the National Assembly on two pieces of critical legislation meant to provide assurances for the international partner.

The American based company, which is a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate, Blackstone Group, had requested that the House consensually increase the debt guarantee ceiling as well as approve amendments to the Hydro Electric Legislation meant to set aside an offset area, in order to compensate for the hydro-electric project and its environmental impact.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) on that occasion sought to amend the debt ceiling required by Sithe Global to a lower figure – a decision that did not sit well with company hence the decision to walk from the project despite having already invested in excess of US$16M.

Sithe Global had lamented the decision saying that the initiative “was not supported unanimously by all three political parties, a necessary prerequisite to the Project receiving international development funds required to complete it.”

At the time the company announced its decision, it said “Unfortunately, not all parties were willing to set aside politics for the broader public good and, as a result, we today reluctantly announce our withdrawal from the Project…While our efforts have come to a close, we again take this opportunity to thank you, the people of Guyana, for your full consideration of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project.”

Despite the news of the pullout of Sithe Global, Government has always maintained its commitment to ensuring that the project along with its accompanying benefits; become a reality.
Once completed, the Hydro Electric Plant is expected to remove 92 per cent of Guyana’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, deliver energy security for Guyana, provide cheaper energy for citizens and businesses, and promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Guyana.

(By Gary Eleazar)