OVER three thousand residents of the hinterland regions are now beneficiaries of a $165M lighting project implemented by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in 2019.

This forms part of the ministry’s commitment to bridging the gap between hinterland and coastal regions as well as its commitment to cleaner energy solutions.
Addressing members of the media at the ministry’s year-in-review briefing, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said thousands of lights were changed for the benefit of both the consumers and producers of the resources.
“Energy conservation is paramount. We would have changed out 22,177 inefficient lights with new LED lights,” the minister said, adding: “It is a benefit to both the consumer and the producer of the power because the LED lights are more efficient [and] burn less energy.”

The light-emitting diode (LED) lights were installed in Mabaruma, Mathew’s Ridge, Port Kaituma, Madhia, Lethem and Kwakwani. LEDs are referred to as one of the most energy-efficient lights today and are known for their better lighting quality and long-lasting bulbs compared to other types of lights.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry and its regency agencies; GEA and the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI), are also executing several other projects while there are others in the pipeline.

According to Minister Patterson, the Mabaruma solar farm, in the Barima-Waini Region, is expected to be completed shortly under the GEA and HECI. Expected projects under the HECI for 2020 include upgrades in Kwakwani, Port Kaituma, Kato, Kamwatta and the extension of the electricity network from Bamia to Silver Hill, Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice. (DPI)