Three hundred solar home systems have been distributed at Wakapoa Village Region Two under the Hinterland Electrification Programme (HEP).
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press report several other communities have also received solar panels, including Akawini, Tapacuma/St Deny’s, St Monica, Karawab, Mainstay, Bethany and Capoey.
The Wakapoa Village Council wrote to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has responsibility for the energy sector, to extend gratitude for the timely distribution of the systems. Under the Hinterland Electrification Programme, most of the targeted beneficiaries have since received their solar panels.
The programme entails the procurement of 11,000 home systems for 184 villages, which will provide power for lighting, operation of small household appliances such as sewing machines and radios. The implementation of this programme is linked to the Amaila Falls Hydropower project, a major component of the LCDS that is expected to transform the country’s economy and eliminate its dependence on fossil fuels. On September 19, solar panels were also distributed at Wiruni, Kimbia and Hururu in Region 10. GINA said funds were also provided to repair the Port Kaituma grid which has also allowed more households to be added to the grid.
According to GINA, under the HEP, 1,729 solar panel systems were distributed to households and public institutions in Amerindian Communities in 2011.
