THE Amaila Falls project is back in the spotlight and Guyana is in discussion with Norway to procure yet another review of the transformational multi-million-dollar mega project.
This announcement was made Wednesday evening by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during his address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 20th Anniversary Awards Presentation and Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel. The pronouncement by Minister Jordan about the review is in keeping with the administration’s position that there were flaws in the project. During the budget debate earlier this year, Jordan had said that to proceed with Amaila would be “a downright criminal act of deception”.

But the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) which was vigorously pushing the project when in power, said it does not share the views of the minister.
The party had contended that if the government does not go ahead with the Amaila Project, Guyanese for years will have to contend with high electricity prices, which continue to be a burden on the private sector and the economy. The opposition party has also called on the government to join with it in a conversation on the Amaila Falls that is based on reason and globally credible analysis.
Mr Jordan told the gathering of private-sector officials, members of the diplomatic corps and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, that the administration is committed to providing cheap and reliable energy.
This, he said is in keeping with Goal 7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that Guyana has signed onto at the United Nations with over 190 other world leaders.

“Norway seems keen to finance an independent review to, once and for all, pronounce on the viability or non-viability of the project. What we need is cheap energy to open the floodgates of manufacturing. What we need is good economic and political governance to open the floodgates of prosperity,” the Finance Minister said.
He added: “I wish to announce that the government is in discussions with Norway to procure yet another review of this [Amaila Falls Project] project. Norway seems keen to finance an independent review to, once and for all, pronounce on the viability or non-viability of the project.”
The mega-project was promoted as being able to provide local communities with employment opportunities, an opportunity for expanded sales of goods and services and meeting Guyana’s future energy needs.
It was expected that the project once implemented will lower average wholesale energy costs, spur additional economic investment resulting in more jobs and stronger infrastructure, and after 20 years of operation, it will be transferred to Guyana Power & Light (GPL) for free.
Aside from the PPP/C, the private sector has also called on the government to bring the Amaila Falls project back on stream.
Government is currently working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to study the correct energy matrix and energy mix for Guyana to meet its needs for the next 30 years.
This study, Mr Jordan said, is due early next year and will include the analysis of five hydro sites, including the Amaila site.

He also noted that other anticipated zones of growth include the Intermediate Savannahs for agriculture and the harnessing of wind power, biomass and solar for energy. “I should use the opportunity here to remind you that the government recently approved a clean energy project by a private developer, which will see 25 MW of clean, wind-generated power being sold to the national grid.
“With this energy matrix, rice and sugar should have better cost structures, especially if our private sector partners with the government to transform these industries through technological innovation, visionary thinking and competitive marketing,” Minister Jordan said.
The Ministry of Finance remains open to working with the private sector to clear all hurdles in the path to more competitiveness.

By Tajeram Mohabir