Attorney General Anil Nandlall has assured citizens that the country’s power generation issues will be fully stabilized within the next two years, effectively eliminating blackouts.
During the weekly Issues in the News program, Nandlall highlighted that the investments announced in the budget for the energy and power generation sector are crucial for modernizing aged infrastructure and enhancing power generation capabilities. The government has allocated approximately $199 billion to the energy sector this year, with more than $60 billion earmarked specifically for upgrading the Guyana Power and Light transmission and distribution network to accommodate increased power demand from upcoming projects.
“Within the next two years, blackouts will be history in Guyana. We have all experienced and are frustrated by the blackouts. This budget includes a significant financial injection into the energy sector to tackle these issues and provide affordable, reliable, and safe electricity for our people,” Nandlall stated.
He emphasized the critical need for stable electricity, acknowledging that unstable and costly electricity has severely impacted the country’s manufacturing sector. “Energy is one of our greatest challenges. It has crippled the manufacturing sector and our ability to transition from primary production to value-added production due to prohibitive electricity costs. The cost of electricity in Guyana is about four to five times higher than in Trinidad and Tobago,” he explained.
Nandlall also mentioned that the government’s gas-to-energy project will play a significant role in advancing the nation’s energy future. He defended the government’s spending on infrastructure, asserting that building out the country is a fundamental duty.
“The construction of roads and bridges is critical to opening up the country and expanding the economy. Should we not build the four-lane highways from Mahaica to Georgetown, or from Palmyra to Moleson Creek? These projects are essential for connectivity,” he questioned, emphasizing the need for comprehensive infrastructure development.
This year, infrastructure spending will be prioritized, with $196 billion allocated to that sector, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s development and economic growth.
