Guyana: 30,000 households to benefit from solar lighting with $7.2m LOC from India

Georgetown: Guyana is set to get US $7.2 million solar lightning system, benefiting 30,000 households in hinterland communities across the country following the official ceremony of Line of Credit (LOC) between the governments of Guyana and India via Exim Bank.

The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday during the celebration of the 57th Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) day conducted by the Indian High Commission at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

According to Guyana Chronicle, the signing of the agreement was carried out by Guyanese Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, represented on behalf of India.

While thanking the India High Commissioner, Finance Minister Ashni Singh said that the initiative will bring joy to families in hinterland communities.

The local newspaper quoted Dr Singh, “Consider for a moment the difference it will make to people’s lives to enjoy electricity for the first time in their homes. For these 30,000 families, delivering electricity to their homes for the first time will be the single biggest thing to happen to them in an entire generation.” Highlighting ITEC as a bond between India and Guyana, he acknowledged the long-standing diplomatic relationship of both countries. “ITEC has provided remarkable opportunities for Guyanese professionals to obtain world-class international training exposure and remarkable experience that could only have enhanced their ability to serve in Guyana and contribute to development, and benefited the development of their own world view.” During the ceremony, Dr Srinivasa also commended the great relations between India and Guyana any mutual development of both nations. “Guyana has been an important partner for India. In India, since 1947, has remained committed as a steadfast and reliable development partner to Guyana,” Dr Srinivasa added.

During the ceremony, many recipients shared their experience with studying and travelling under the programme.