-programme to be stymied due to budget cuts
IMPLEMENTATION of the Hinterland Electrification Programme (HEP), which is linked to the Amaila Falls Hydropower project and which is a major aspect of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), now stands to be affected as a result of the opposition’s cuts to the 2012 National Budget.
Notwithstanding this detrimental move, Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Nigel Dharamlall, recently visited Region 9 where he handed over solar panels that were sent in since March from Georgetown.
As a result, the homes of residents in areas such as Sawariwau, Katoonarib, Shulinab, Karasabai, Potarinau, Baitoon, Katuur, Shiriri, and Parikwaranau, will be illuminated with 12 to 15 kilowatt hours of electricity, many for the first time.
Under the HEP, 11,000 homes were to be targeted in many villages across the hinterland regions, but many will now be left powerless as only about 2,000 have been distributed.
The systems can provide power for lighting and operation of small household appliances such as sewing machines and radios.
Each village that received the panels was given two kits with tools needed for installation and servicing, one for each of the persons who had undergone training in their use. An officer from the Office of the Prime Minister, which has oversight for the programme, will visit each village at least twice per year to ensure that home systems are operational.
Some villages in Region 1,also, recently received their solar panels that were transported to the region in March. The handover was done in the presence of Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai during a visit to the region recently. (GINA)