Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips inspecting the Hydro Power Station at Moco Moco
Works on the US$12.8 million Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are progressing smoothly, as the Government continues its efforts to supply clean and efficient energy to the National Grid.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips was given an update on the progress during a visit to the areas on Wednesday. The two projects will see the construction of a new 1.5-megawatt (MW) hydropower project at Kumu and upgrades to the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MW capacity. The projects are set to increase access to electricity for the population in Lethem and nearby communities.
Prime Minister Phillips being updated on the project
At Moco Moco, the Prime Minister noted that these projects are set to transform Region Nine’s energy landscape in accordance with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
He also stressed that the projects would open avenues for advancement in the tourism and business sectors as the Government continues to invest in the vision of Region Nine becoming a hub for economic activity.
“You’re going to harness the energy and you’re going to become producers and sell your goods. Market this place, tourists will come and you will earn money. That is what I want, and that is why we are here,” he declared.
“Work with us…the people, the Government at all levels…can work hand-in-hand, and we’re going to improve how we do things in Guyana,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
Phillips has said the Government would continue to provide projects and programmes to train people how to utilise all the resources to improve their lives.
He also visited the 1.0-megawatt mega-scale solar farm facility at the Lethem Power Company, where he was assured that it has adequate capacity to provide a reliable power supply for the residents there, using the solar farm in addition to its present output.
These projects form part of the Government’s commitment to fostering energy security and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Phillips was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma; Lethem Mayor Mr John Macedo, Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, Moco Moco Toshao Thomas George, and Lethem Power Company Board Chairman Rodger King, among others.
