Georgetown: Government is set to introduce an energy policy that utilises wind, water and solar power to provide cheap, renewable electricity to more Guyanese in the urban, rural, riverain and hinterland communities.
President David Granger recently outlined this as one of the many measures that will be introduced in order to develop a “green economy” consistent with the economic exploitation of the country’s natural resources, whilst at the same time giving Guyanese, a safer, and a comfortable life.
“We see a ‘green economy’ as one that sustains economic prosperity, environmental security and social well-being. It will allow the current generation to satisfy its needs without jeopardising the opportunity of future generations to satisfy theirs,” President Granger said, during the historic opening of the 11th Parliament.
As part of this green policy, President Granger explained that Government will introduce a strategy to protect the population from hazards, preserve the environment from further degradation, and sustain development. Government will also confront the challenges of solid waste management, coastal zone conservation, flooding, public health and damage to rivers and forests, caused by poorly-regulated mining and logging practices.
The responsible exploitation of the hinterland’s mineral and other natural resources will also be supported and the livelihood of the residents will be sustained as the environment is protected by the rigorous enforcement of environmental legislation, the President pledged.
Government will also introduce a comprehensive plan to invest in, improvement or increase to public infrastructure assets and a national infrastructure plan for the maintenance and extension of aerodromes, highways, roadways, stellings and bridges.
He noted that “Guyana’s economic development has been impeded and its international competitiveness has been impaired because of the lack of major investment in public infrastructure.”
“Collapsing stellings, congested city streets, aging ferries, deteriorating hinterland airstrips, broken bridges, impassable roadways and weakened kokers and sea defences, have all become major obstacles to everyday commuting, communication and commerce,” he added.
The President also noted the frequent, fatal, aviation, riverain and road accidents and delays and damage to vehicles on difficult roadways, all increasing the risk and cost of travel.
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