-Minister Persaud
AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud said a cheaper and more reliable source of energy can fast track development of the forestry and all other sectors of the economy, hence the realization of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) is very pertinent.
The Amaila Falls project, to be built on the Kuribrong River  – a tributary of the Potaro River in west central Guyana – has the capacity to provide over 140 megawatts of electricity.

Minister Persaud, whose portfolio also includes responsibility for the Forestry Sector,  stated that for this reason the government budgeted this year to commence activities that will eventually see the hydro project becoming a reality in the very near future.
“I have been advised by the GFC (Guyana Forestry Commission) that the proposed road and transmission line alignment will pass through a number of existing forest concessions,” Minister Persaud said.

He was at the time speaking at a workshop on the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s National Forestry Programme for Guyana at the GFC office in Kingston on Friday last.

Minister Persaud stated that whilst the environmental damage is expected to be minimal, in the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, the GFC has invited all parties that would be affected directly, to a meeting on Monday, April 12, 2010.

The meeting will seek to arrive at practical solutions that will see the interests of all being accommodated, he said.

Government is working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and China Development Bank and other investors on securing the financing so that the project could be advanced. Preparations for the implementation of this project are slated to begin shortly.
Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo had several years ago spoken of a hydropower project for Guyana as the country’s fuel import bill is about US$350M.
The President had said the development of renewable energy sources is needed to increase energy security and maintain macro-economic stability. (GINA)