By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon on Tuesday (December 31) disclosed that Government has received expressions of interest from individuals/companies in neighboring countries and further afield to construct a Hydro Power Plant in Guyana.
This announcement comes on the very day that Sithe Global’s – the company previously contracted to construct the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Plant- license expires.
Sithe Global had pulled out on August 11, following lack of Political consensus on the project. The Opposition had offered several explanations regarding its non – support.
Today, Dr. Luncheon described the rejection of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Plant by the combined Parliamentary Opposition as the ‘crown of the bottle’ in relation to national disappointments for 2013.
“Amaila is here to stay” he assured, adding that the provision of renewable energy will continue to be on the list of priorities for the Administration.
He told reporters that although the government has received expressions of interested to construct the plant, nothing as definite as what was accomplished with Sithe Global has been acquired with the new expressions of interest.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the construction of a hydropower facility and the provision of renewable energy is a part of Guyanese patrimony.
“We will continue to work to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are brought to the Guyanese people through Amaila,” Dr. Luncheon said.
According to the Government, the construction of the new 165MW hydroelectric facility creates an opportunity for Guyana to generate its own power from a clean, natural source and with it a dependable, affordable source of electricity fostering growth and economic development in the country.
The plant, located where the Amaila and Kuribrong rivers meet, is expected to deliver electricity to Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, and its second largest town, Linden, by an electric transmission line.
Construction of the hydro facility and electrical interconnection was anticipated to begin in late 2013. It will take approximately four years to complete.
