The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development distributed five solar systems to Region Two riverine communities over the weekend, under its 2012 work programme.
As part of its work programme for 2012, the Ministry of Local Govern-ment and Regional Develop-ment 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 who presented the systems to the Martindale and Siriki primary schools and the Abram’s Creek health post located in the Pomeroon River, Region Two. The Barakara health post in the Pomeroon River will soon receive a system, a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release said.
The 165-watt systems each include a battery, an inverter and charge controller. Croal reminded the recipients to take care of the systems and ensure that adequate security is provided.
Under the 2012 work programme the ministry is to provide solar panels to schools and health posts in regions Two, Three, Four and 10. The other regions will benefit under the 2013 programme.
Earlier in the year 300 home solar systems were handed over to the Wakapoa Village Council, Region Two, Pomeroon/Supenaam. In September Amerindian villages Wiruni, Kimbia and Hururu in Region 10 were also given panels.
Government had also distributed over 6,600 solar panels under the Hinterland Electrification Programme earlier in the year and plans to advance the programme in the latter half of the year. This includes the construction of a power supply distribution network at Matthews Ridge and the acquisition of solar panels, transformers and generators for several hinterland areas.
To date, under the Hinterland Electrification Programme 1,729 solar panel systems were distributed to households and public institutions in Amerindian Com-munities in 2011.
