AS part of its work programme for 2012, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development included the provision of solar panels to outlying schools and health posts in Regions 2, 3, 4, and 10.

The other regions will be included in the ministry’s 2013 budget, according to the Permanent Secretary, Collin Croal.
Over the weekend, Croal distributed five solar panel systems to the Martindale and Siriki primary schools and the Abram’s Creek health post, located in the Pomeroon River, Region 2.
The 165- watt systems include a battery, inverter and charger control. PS Croal, presenting the systems, stressed the importance of the panels to the community, and urged that great care be taken in the usage and security of the systems.
The Barakara health post in the Pomeroon River will also receive a solar system shortly.
Earlier this year, the Wakapoa Village Council, Region 2, Pomeroon/Supenaam, received 300 solar home systems, while most recently, in September, 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.
Additionally, during the first half of the year, government distributed over 6,600 solar panels under the Hinterland Electrification Programme, while in the second half of the year, work will be advanced on the construction of a power supply distribution network at Matthew’s Ridge and the acquisition of solar panels, transformers and generators for several hinterland areas.
Under the Hinterland Electrification Programme, which has aided the expansion of electricity supply, 1,729 solar panel systems were distributed to households and public institutions in Amerindian communities in 2011.
This programme is the brainchild of the current administration, and targets Amerindians living in the interior locations, where they are too far from the electricity grid to receive power.
Providing electricity to all Guyanese has been on government’s agenda since taking office.