“It’s a win-win” ─ Kato hydropower project opens new opportunities
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, October 27, 2019
“It’s a win-win!”
That was how Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson described the new opportunities created by the 150kW Kato hydropower project that is set to commence soon.
At a governmental meeting in Kato, Region 8, Minister Patterson announced that the project will facilitate the rehabilitation of the road between Karasabai, located in the North Rupununi Savannas, to Kato village.
It was explained that B & J Civil Works, the contractor for the hydropower project, will transport materials for the roadworks during the same period the company is preparing to move materials and equipment into Kato for the hydro project.
According to Minister Patterson, this will allow the Public Infrastructure Ministry to fast-track the upgrades to the road between the two Indigenous villages along with other community works in Kato.
Also, the construction aspect of the hydropower project is slated to commence within 3-4 months. At present, the contractor will establish a staging point in Karasabai. Since the road conditions are suitable due to the favourable sunny weather, no delays are anticipated before its start.
Once the 18-month project is complete, Kato will stand out as the first Indigenous village and only community within the country to be powered by 100% renewable energy. Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through a grant under its Sustainable Energy Program, the $470M project will ensure a 120V Distribution Network along with a 13.8KV Transmission Network is built.
The electricity generated will power cluster centres such as government buildings and households within Kato. Also, with increase capacity, it can be extended to power surrounding Indigenous villages.
Kato’s hydropower project catalyses the realisation of Guyana’s Green Development Strategy (GSDS): Vision 2040 that, in part, seeks to utilise renewable energy as a key economic driver. This project also allows Guyana to maintain its commitment towards the United Nations Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal #7 that aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes were also in attendance at the community engagement. Both ministers spoke about the expansion of their respective ministry’s services in Kato.