…Prime Minister Hinds tells residents at commissioning of $150M power station
ONE of the fundamental qualities of the People’s Progressive Party Government is the provision of equitable access to basic essential services, including health care, water and electricity to citizens, regardless of their geographical location and economic status. These qualities continue to be manifested across the country, as more citizens are today enjoying a more reliable and efficient quality of service at their convenience, as was seen with the commissioning of the Mahdia Power and Light that will supply more than 500 Region 8 residents.
Saturday Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party, Donald Ramotar, joined hundreds of Mahdia residents gathered to witness the historic event in their home town, many of whom were high in praise of the initiative.
The company will be managed and operated by a team of residents.
This new $150M investment forms part of the Unserved Areas Electricity Programme (UAEP), and will add to some already massive developmental projects taking place in one of the country’s largest mining region, Potaro/Siparuni.
During the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Hinds said that the event was just the beginning of better days to come for the district, and that the investment “will help to meet the growing energy demand”.
This project would have cost the government $300,000 for every customer that is connected to the Mahdia Power and Light, Prime Minister Hinds said.
Each customer connected to the grid will receive the first 15 KW of power free of charge every month.
“We expect that everybody will get connected, so that they can enjoy a reliable source of power to their homes, and that there will be no stealing of electricity,” Prime Minister Hinds urged.
Region 8 Chairman, Senor Bell, expressing gratitude to the Government for making the project a reality, urged the residents of Mahdia to use the power wisely, and to commit to their obligation in sustaining the investment.
Prior to the construction of the power station, electricity was provided by several local businessmen.
Residents for the first time will be receiving power 24 hours a day, and at a cheaper rate.  (GINA)