A Russian delegation is in Guyana to begin a pre-feasibility study for a hydropower station in the Upper Mazaruni.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said the team, led by Sergei Lapshev, and accompanied by Head of the Privatisation Unit Winston Brassington, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo at Office of the President.
The visit followed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the development of a hydropower plant during Jagdeo’s state visit to the Russian Federation in January. An LOI was also signed for an alumina refinery and an aluminium smelter. On his return, at a February 5 press conference, Jagdeo had said that the feasibility study would be successful, and the country’s long-standing dream to have an alternative power source, would be realised. “These projects are of enormous magnitude for our country. Since the 1950s our country has been trying to pursue this path of development of its tremendous hydropower potential for the processing of bauxite,” he had said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his commitment to the development of the project, the release said. After the study, the final result will be initiated, after which the project is expected to begin. Jagdeo had said that by 2011, “if all goes well”, the hydro-plant should be completed. The hydropower project must comply with the country’s laws and environmental standards.
