REGION 8 (Potaro–Siparuni) – In a major stride toward inclusive development and energy sustainability, the Government of Guyana has successfully installed solar-powered street lights across Mahdia and neighboring hinterland communities. This initiative is reshaping daily life in Region 8 by enhancing public safety, extending economic activity into the evening hours, and demonstrating a commitment to clean energy solutions.
Spearheaded through a partnership involving the Ministry of Public Works, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), this project aligns with national goals to close the development gap between urban and remote areas. The introduction of solar street lighting in Mahdia, Campbelltown, Micobie, and El Paso is a clear signal that the benefits of modern infrastructure are reaching all corners of the country (Guyana Energy Agency, 2024).
These solar-powered lights are helping to deter crime, prevent nighttime accidents, and encourage greater social and commercial activity after dark. “We feel safer now walking at night,” a resident of Campbelltown shared during a recent community meeting facilitated by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Vendors and small business operators also report an uptick in activity as the streets remain active for longer hours.
Environmentally, the solar-powered lights reduce reliance on fossil fuels and the national electricity grid, aligning with the objectives of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. They are low-maintenance, cost-effective, and ideal for off-grid hinterland areas. The GEA has confirmed the installation of over 200 solar lights in Region 8 to date, with further expansion planned for even more remote communities in the coming months (Guyana Energy Agency Annual Report, 2024).
This development marks more than just technological progress—it is a symbol of equal opportunity and national unity. As more hinterland communities gain access to sustainable infrastructure, Region 8 stands as a model of how renewable energy can uplift rural populations and reinforce national goals for resilience and inclusion.
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Empowering Region 8: Solar Street Lights Illuminate Safer, Greener Communities
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