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Opposition propaganda has successfully distorted the facts surrounding the Amaila Falls hydro-electric project [AMHP], a project which will be of significant benefit to all Guyanese. The opportunities to be created by this project are enormous. This project is long overdue and would transform Guyana, making the life of the average Guyanese easier while opening up Guyana for first world investors. However, the distorted facts have clouded the judgment of many, too many. There is nothing corrupt or secretive about this much needed project. Recently, politicians from the opposite side of the house [parliament] have stated that the Marriott and the AMFP projects are not priorities for national development. Such a statement epitomises the myopia of the Opposition.
Public/private partnership is not a new model to development and it is key for Guyana. At our stage of development, there is a significant role for the state in leading the development thrust. This is a proven model; it’s not a gamble from the Guyanese government. In fact, we have already seen the huge success of this model [public/private partnership] in the Berbice river bridge. Now, before you react by criticising the toll, remember the ridiculously long hours commuters experienced when crossing and then seek to quantify the benefits.
Here are some of the ways the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project will benefit the average man:
* It will reduce the cost of electricity for all households. Electricity cost takes up as much as 25% of incomes, the Amaila Falls hydro-electric project will reduce the cost of electricity by more than 25%, giving the average consumer more monies is his/her pocket to spend.
* This will improve standard of living, the increased disposable incomes can now be used for other amenities.
* It will also reduce the cost of production; the cost of electricity is one of the main hindrances to production growth and manufacturing options. With a lowered cost of electricity, producers produce more, allowing for greater consumer choices, satisfaction and potential increases in tax revenue, which can then be directed to support further infrastructural development.
* The reduced cost of electricity will attract investors; many investors came to Guyana and decided to leave because of the high cost of electricity. The Amaila Falls will make Guyana more attractive for investors worldwide, creating more jobs, and revenue for the government.
* It will improve options for export growth.
* It will remove the need for 3 billion government electricity subsidies to Linden; monies can then be used otherwise.
* It will reduce importation costs for fuel; today fuel is the single largest import, leaving more monies to spend on education, health etc.
* Power outages will be less frequent, ending one of Guyana’s chronic developmental issues.
* Street lights will become affordable to taxpayers, allowing NDCs and RDCs to provide this important service of street lights, improving community security and welfare.
* The success of Amaila Falls will result in more hydro-electric projects all across the country, opening the possibilities for the many other sources with hydro potential, leading to more innovation. These hydro projects will also act as tourist attractions, as the Moco-Moco hydro falls did in previous years.
* Guyana may even export excess electricity from this and other falls to neighbours.
* Communities such as Wakenaam and other communities who previously were without electricity will now benefit from 24 hours of electricity.
* The Amaila will make electricity possible for our Amerindian brothers and sisters, in the process creating vast economic opportunities for those communities. Amerindian villages will be able to explore their productive potential, increase incomes and accelerate their economic empowerment.
* This will also create employment for UG graduates, especially the engineers and other skilled labour.
Public/private partnership is not a new model to development and it is key for Guyana. At our stage of development, there is a significant role for the state in leading the development thrust. This is a proven model; it’s not a gamble from the Guyanese government. In fact, we have already seen the huge success of this model [public/private partnership] in the Berbice river bridge. Now, before you react by criticising the toll, remember the ridiculously long hours commuters experienced when crossing and then seek to quantify the benefits.
Here are some of the ways the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project will benefit the average man:
* It will reduce the cost of electricity for all households. Electricity cost takes up as much as 25% of incomes, the Amaila Falls hydro-electric project will reduce the cost of electricity by more than 25%, giving the average consumer more monies is his/her pocket to spend.
* This will improve standard of living, the increased disposable incomes can now be used for other amenities.
* It will also reduce the cost of production; the cost of electricity is one of the main hindrances to production growth and manufacturing options. With a lowered cost of electricity, producers produce more, allowing for greater consumer choices, satisfaction and potential increases in tax revenue, which can then be directed to support further infrastructural development.
* The reduced cost of electricity will attract investors; many investors came to Guyana and decided to leave because of the high cost of electricity. The Amaila Falls will make Guyana more attractive for investors worldwide, creating more jobs, and revenue for the government.
* It will improve options for export growth.
* It will remove the need for 3 billion government electricity subsidies to Linden; monies can then be used otherwise.
* It will reduce importation costs for fuel; today fuel is the single largest import, leaving more monies to spend on education, health etc.
* Power outages will be less frequent, ending one of Guyana’s chronic developmental issues.
* Street lights will become affordable to taxpayers, allowing NDCs and RDCs to provide this important service of street lights, improving community security and welfare.
* The success of Amaila Falls will result in more hydro-electric projects all across the country, opening the possibilities for the many other sources with hydro potential, leading to more innovation. These hydro projects will also act as tourist attractions, as the Moco-Moco hydro falls did in previous years.
* Guyana may even export excess electricity from this and other falls to neighbours.
* Communities such as Wakenaam and other communities who previously were without electricity will now benefit from 24 hours of electricity.
* The Amaila will make electricity possible for our Amerindian brothers and sisters, in the process creating vast economic opportunities for those communities. Amerindian villages will be able to explore their productive potential, increase incomes and accelerate their economic empowerment.
* This will also create employment for UG graduates, especially the engineers and other skilled labour.
The Amaila Falls will produce more than enough electricity to serve all of Guyana at a lower cost to all towns and villages. These benefits cannot be overlooked or diminished by critics. It’s now more vivid than ever that Guyana needs this project, it must be placed at the very top of the developmental agenda, as it will benefit each and every Guyanese citizen across the country.
