Solar farm project to boost employment in Linden

A number of women and youth from the mining community of Linden will be empowered through employment opportunities, when the 15 megawatt solar farm facility there comes on stream.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the project at the Watooka Complex in Linden on Wednesday, Team Leader of Executive Management at Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc, Kesh Nandlall, said the initiative is more than just an infrastructural one.

“Beyond infrastructure, GUYSOL is about people. The programme is about people. Through our women solar initiative and energy apprenticeship programme, we are creating opportunities for women and youth in solar installation and energy management. I am proud to say that several of these bright young women are here with us today. Your presence is a powerful reminder of what this programme truly represents – empowering, inclusion and a brighter future for all,” he said.

Nandlall also assured efficiency in the project, which is expected to come on stream by next year.

“This project is of critical national importance. The people of Linden and indeed all of Guyana are counting on its timely, high quality delivery. We expect strict adherence to agreed timelines with the highest standards of engineering and safety and full cooperation with GPL and the local and the local stakeholders. We look forward to working closely with you to ensure that this project is not only completed as scheduled but stands as a model of renewable energy development in the region,” he noted.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his remarks, also noted that the project places strong emphasis on social inclusion and local economic empowerment.

He said the people aspect of renewable energy is captured in the project, where women will be trained to work and to operate these facilities, as well as youths who will be introduced through an apprentice programme.

The Prime Minister also encouraged residents of Linden to view the solar project as more than just an energy solution but as a foundation for economic advancement.

He further underscored the need for citizens to leverage improved electricity access to create and expand micro-enterprises and small industries.