CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL), a 25% working partner in the Stabroek block has donated a complete solar lighting community system to Moraikobai, the only indigenous village in Region Five, with support from POWERCHINA, one of the world’s largest power construction enterprises.
A release yesterday from CNOOC said that the project was inaugurated on Saturday.
A core team from CPGL and engineers from Power China visited Moraikabai in November to train and supervise the installation of 116 solar lights around the community, the release said.
Residents were taught how to safely fix and maintain the lights with tools and other equipment including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donated to the village for this purpose.
The wood for the poles was also sourced from Moraikobai, a largely logging community.
Toshao Derrick John said that the Solar Light Community Project is Moraikobai’s second project with the Chinese oil company, citing a previous donation of beds to the Mahaicony Amerindian Hostel in September 2022.
“We have the capacity building; now local residents can actually fix anything that needs to be fixed when CNOOC is not here,” said John.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan attended the ceremony which also celebrated winners of the annual CPGL Green Energy and Renewables Essay Competition, the release said.
“This project is a good example of Chinese companies’ commitment and responsibility. The embassy will continuously encourage other Chinese companies to actively take part in efforts to help improve people’s livelihood in Guyana“, she said.
Resident Garfield John expressed his thanks for the solar lights sharing that before flambeaus and torchlights were used to get around the village in the evening.
Bridgette France, a cook at the Moraikobai Guest House characterised the lights as a “blessing.” Other residents shared that the lights brought the community closer together.
CPGL’s CSR initiatives are selected under four main pillars: developing Amerindian communities, promoting Education, the transition to Clean and Renewable Energy and fostering Safe and Thriving Communities, the release added.
