CONTRACTORS are being sought for construction of the hydroelectric project and related irrigation infrastructure at Kato in Region 8 (Potaro /Siparuni).

The recently published invitation for bids closes on April 23 and Mr. Horace Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hinterland Electrification Unit (HEU) within the Office of the Prime Minister, has said the selected contractor will be allowed a total of six months to prepare designs and get them approved.
Work should begin with a targeted completion date in mid-2015, he indicated.
The Government of Guyana secured funding for the development of the micro-hydropower system at Kato, from the European Union (EU) early last year.
The total cost of the project is pegged at approximately G$615M with the EU contributing G$460M under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), while the Guyana Government  contributed G$154M.
The system will comprise a 330-kilowatt micro-hydropower station with its primary energy source being the 36 metres head waterfall in the Chiung River, in the vicinity of Kato Village.
Sufficient generating capacity, for electrical services, is to be provided to a secondary school complex that the  Ministry of Education is to constuct, existing government buildings, such as the nursery/primary schools, the Guest House, the Police Outpost, medical facilities and school dormitories.
The network is also to provide electricity to neighbouring Paramakatoi through a 16-kilometre transmission line that forms part of the intervention and a  500-metre distribution system to supply the existing government institutions at Paramakatoi.
The hydro project will also involve the erection of a  pump station to supply water for use in the irrigation of farmlands.
The intention is also to provide electricity at the community level for productive, income-generating initiatives that could transform the targeted villages, particularly Kato, from a subsistence to a cash economy.
The implementation is being managed by the HEU in Office of the Prime Minister.