Region Eight micro-hydropower construction to begin in 2013
Construction of the micro-hydro power system at Chiung Water Fall in Kato, Region Eight is expected to commence by October 2013.
This initiative which is part of Government’s broader hinterland electrification programme will comprise a 330- kilowatt micro-hydropower station with its primary energy source being the 36m head waterfall in the Chiung River, which is in the vicinity of Kato village.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and other officials during a
recent visit to the Chiung water fall in Kato, Region Eight
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds during a visit to the area over the weekend said that 30 years ago, a survey was conducted of possible hydropower sites in Guyana. Construction of the hydro is scheduled to last for a period of 18 months, and expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2015.
This project is the result of an agreement between the Government of Guyana and the European Union (EU).
The project is estimated to cost Euro 2, 455, 797, (G$615M) with the EU contributing G$460M under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) while Government will be contributing the remainder.
Project Coordinator, Marsha Johnson explained that two issues were raised by residents in the area; opportunities for farming and availability of water during the dry season. She said that in conceptualising this hydro project, these issues were carefully studied.
Residents of Kato and neighbouring villages listening to a
presentation on the Chiung Fall hydro project by Electrical
Engineer at the Office of the Prime Minister, Horace Williams
“For these needs to be addressed, one of the critical resources that is required is electricity…and so we looked at how we could provide electricity that is affordable and sustainable,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Electrical Engineer at the Office of the Prime Minister, Horace Williams said that the flow of the Chiung River will be used to generate electricity, while the other aspect of the project will see the construction of a pump station that will supply water to a storage facility with a capacity of 7,600 cubic metres. This will be used for irrigation purpose to support commercial farming.
Moreover, there will be sufficient generating capacity for electrical services to be provided to the Kato Secondary School which will be constructed early next year, as well as existing government buildings such as the nursery and primary schools, the guest house, the police outpost, and medical facilities.
Further, the system will provide electricity to Paramakatoi through a 16- kilometre transmission line which forms part of the intervention.