Unexpired Sithe licence poses dilemma

The Amaila Falls hydro project licence will expire at the end of the year and while one option would be to have it run out, other options for wresting it from the hands of Sithe Global will require very careful consideration given their implications, said a Government source last night.

Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, the source said that the options other than allowing the term of the licence to run out must be approached with caution as Sithe Global, which now holds the licence, has spent millions on the relevant studies in their development of the project.

“If you rush into a decision, you could jeopardise such arrangements for the future,” said the source. The person directed further inquiries about the