The majority of hinterland households, which includes 80 percent of the Amerindian population, are at present without access to basic electricity. The government will shortly launch the LCDS Hinterland Electrification Programme that will rectify this long-pervading inequity by providing access to clean and renewable energy.
The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) project will install solar home systems in 10,500 Amerindian households for about 135 Amerindian communities that remain un-served. The programme will cover 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, acting as Coordinator, with the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for procurement and monitoring activities with support from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

Each village council will be responsible for the management and maintenance of their system. The programme provides for personnel from each village being trained to maintain the systems and residents in each village will pay a monthly contribution to a fund managed by the village council for maintenance services.

The project will expand access to clean and affordable energy throughout Amerindian communities in the hinterland, is a main component of the LCDS, and plays a major role in achieving the Millennium Goals for sustainable development in Guyana.