Several hydropower proposals considered over the years – Hinds

Between 2006 and 2009, two companies–the Bauxite & Alumina Mining Venture Ltd (RUSAL) and Dynamic Engineering Inc–submitted proposals to the government to develop hydropower facilities here, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told the National Assembly on Thursday.

Responding in writing to a question by GAP/ROAR MP Everall Franklin, Hinds said that in 2007, RUSAL was granted three years exclusivity to conduct a study for a hydropower plant on the Upper Mazaruni River.

In 2010, Dynamic Engineering Inc was granted a one year exclusivity to conduct a feasibility study for the development of two .75 MW hydropower station at Tumatumari on the Potaro River.

Hinds said too that in 2008, the government also granted the fifth extension of the MOU between the government and Enman Services Ltd, dated July 31, 2001 which gave the company the exclusive right to complete feasibility studies with respect to a hydropower project on the Turtruba Rapids on the Mazaruni River.  That MOU expired on July 31, 2010.

The Prime Minister also said that prior to 2006, the government entered into MOUs with the Dynamic Engineering Inc (2002) and Guyana Poverty Alleviation Group Inc. These MOUs have all expired, Hinds said.

Hinds said that all these proposals were actively considered by the government.