DEVELOPING countries like Guyana, more often than not are exposed to catching the cold when the developed countries sneeze. This is so because of our dependence on these nations for certain essentials and basic necessities, like fuel for instance.

Recent happenings on the world stage, for example fluctuating oil prices, political instability and social unrest in some of the major oil- producing countries in the world are only some of the factors which favour the switch to hydro-power in countries where this kind of facility is available.

In this respect, Guyana becomes the ideal destination for the production of hydro-power with the many waterfalls that caress the country’s hinterland.

Happenings on the international scene, and Guyana’s reliance on petroleum products for its energy supplies, make this country susceptible to prices on the world market which directly affect the local population.

Against this backdrop, therefore, we as a young nation must turn to alternative sources of power, and without exaggeration, we have this resource in our many waterfalls that cascade from our many rivers in deep jungle areas, only waiting to be harnessed.

This brings to mind the Amaila falls Hydro project which, according to Prime Minister Hinds, is Guyana’s flagship project. The Prime Minister made this fair comment during his contribution to the 2012 budget debate which is currently before the National Assembly. We recall that a few attempts at providing hydro-power in Guyana were made in the past, but for various reasons, none but one, came to fruition, but was later laid to rest. Now, however, the welcome news is that the regional authorities in Region 8, (Potaro/Siparuni), have commenced work on the project as part of a wider plan for industrial development in the region.

We recall that the Tumatumari hydro-electric power station was established in 1953, but after nearly 30 years of service to the region and its people, operations were closed in the early 1980s.
Interestingly enough, the Tumatumari hydro-electric station on the Potaro River was the first ever hydro-electric power station to be built in this country. It was constructed by British Guiana Consolidated Goldfields Limited in the 1950s to power two large dredges.

The people also recall that during his tenure as Premier, late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his government had embarked on a Hydro-project at Tiger Hill in the Upper Demerara River.

Preparatory works for this project with the assistance of the Cubans were well underway with a cost factor of some US$32 million. But this was not to be for no sooner had Forbes Burnham and the PNC been put into power,that the project went into oblivion.

This was later replaced by the much touted Upper Mazaruni Development Project under Burnham, and the PNC.

We remember too well, that this project which ended up in failure in 1984 had cost the Guyanese taxpayers more than $1 billion. The Guyanese workers also remember that this very ambitious project which was later shelved had denied them a $14 a day minimum wage which the labour movement was advocating for them.

However, at a May Day rally, during an address to workers at the National Park, President Burnham had categorically asked the workers if they wanted $14 a day or hydro-power to which they opted for the latter. So the demise of the hydro-power project also took with it the $14 a day minimum wage. The workers therefore got neither hydro-power nor the $14 per day.
The Amaila falls hydro-power project which is expected to be built on the Kuribrong river has the capacity to provide over 140 megawatts of electricity, and as long as this project is realised, it would certainly lead to the further development of the forestry sector and the country as a whole, as there will be enough electricity to reach other parts of the country which would certainly lead to reduced rates.
We refer to Prime Minister Sam Hinds who, in his contribution to the 2012 budget debate, said: “The provision of electricity to all our households is one area in which the government has sought to unite and unify our people, providing some access, if not equal access.”
It was in fulfilling this need that the Prime Minister said that Guyana’s flagship project is the Amaila Falls hydro-power, because the government recognises that it needed to meet the growing demand for electricity.
We see the successful completion of the Amaila falls hydro-power project as a winner for our people as this would make a big difference in their lives. The government should pursue all means at its disposal to bring closure to this project, which would stand out to be the beacon to Guyana’s future development.