THE Wakapoa Village Council, Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) has expressed gratitude to government, on behalf of villagers, for the 300 solar home systems that were presented to them.In a letter sent to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

who has responsibility for the energy sector, the Village Council indicated that the timely distribution of the equipment will assist in fostering community development.

Other Region Two communities that have received solar panels include Akawini, Tapacuma/St Deny’s, St Monica, Karawab, Mainstay, Bethany and Capoey.
Under the Hinterland Electrification Programme (HEP), most of the targeted beneficiaries have since received their solar panels.
The HEP entails the procurement of 11,000 home systems for 184 villages, which will provide power for lighting, operation of small household appliances such as sewing machines and radios.
Implementation of this programme is linked to the Amaila Falls Hydropower project which is a major component of the LCDS to transform the country’s economy and eliminate the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
On September 19, 2012 Amerindian villages of Wiruni, Kimbia and Hururu in Region 10 also received solar panels which are a part of government’s efforts to bring relief and support to the Amerindian communities that do not enjoy electricity.
In an effort to boost electricity availability in the hinterland regions, government provided funds for the repair of the Port Kaituma grid which is now able to take on more households to the system and provides more hours of electricity.
Under the HEP, which has aided expansion of electricity supply, 1,729 solar panel systems were distributed to households and public institutions in Amerindian Communities in 2011. (GINA)