Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, on Wednesday commissioned a 27.5kWp solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) grid with an 83.05kWh battery at St. Monica Karawab Village located on the Eastern Bank of the Upper Pomeroon River in Region 2.
The project, implemented at a cost of more than $30.5m, will provide electricity to twelve government facilities, including the schools, the health facility and the ICT hub.
Prime Minister Phillips, during his remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving equitable development throughout Guyana.
He stated, “As a government, we saw it necessary to conceptualise and deliver these programs and projects to bring development to every community in Guyana so we can improve the lives and livelihood of the people wherever they live.”
The Prime Minister also encouraged the residents to utilise the newly commissioned resource responsibly.
Meanwhile, during his visit to the community, Prime Minister Phillips announced that a number of additional resources will be included in the upcoming 2024 budget to enhance drainage and irrigation for farmers in the region. According to the Prime Minister, these include pontoons and excavators, among others.
The Prime Minister also engaged with residents who raised concerns on various issues, including infrastructure development, education, employment opportunities, land titling and demarcations. The Prime Minister pledged to provide immediate and long-term solutions through collaboration with regional and local government authorities.
Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips, who travelled with the Prime Minister to the community, presented educational materials on solar and clean energy to the community.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency’s (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma; Regional Chairwoman, Mrs Vilma Da Silva; and other regional officials also attended the ceremony.
