GPL allocated $3.6b in 2019 budget

should be rated at least 25 miles a gallon, energy star compliant and equipped with inverter technology where possible.

“It is our hope that leading by example will encourage households and the private sector to enthusiastically join in the national effort to use energy efficiently and reduce our carbon emissions,” he said. In terms of renewable energy, Jordan said, “We will continue to pilot the green town concept in Bartica.” In 2018, he noted, the government installed a 21.5 kW solar grid at Three Miles Secondary School dormitory and 179 energy efficient streetlights within the community. Government is now in discussions with international financiers for the development of mini-hydro projects to complement the solar power.

By the first quarter of 2019, the Hosororo Hydropower Project and the Mabaruma PV Farm will be commissioned, Jordan said.

Feasibility studies have been completed for the installation of solar PV farms in the townships of Bartica, Lethem and Mahdia, he added.

Noting that government has included several incentives to make the transition to cleaner technologies over the last few budgets, he said, “this year again we will roll out a suite of measures for 2019, including changes to the Wear and Tear Schedule of the Income Tax Act for capital investments in renewable and alternative energy, and further tax exemptions for hybrid or electric cars of a certain capacity as well as electric motor cycles.”

The hinterland electrification programme, he said, also continues to benefit communities such as Port Kaituma, Moco Moco and Lethem with installation, extension and upgrading of distribution networks in these areas.

In 2019, some $101 million has been allocated to continue and extend this programme to Orealla, Kwakwani, Siparuta and Waramuri, among others.