GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—A solar-powered water treatment plant has been commissioned in Port Mourant, Berbice. Officials indicate that the project signifies a significant step towards climate resilience in the region by integrating renewable energy into critical water infrastructure.
Executive Director of the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Dr. Colin Young, said the project exemplifies the CCCCC’s approach to water security in the Caribbean, adding that it provides benefits beyond merely offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
“The project’s more important and tangible benefits are its contribution to building climate resilience and enhancing the water security of 16,000 people in 4,500 households across 18 communities.
“For these communities, this investment looms large and will make a significant, lasting, and positive impact on their lives; the investment also provides GWI with redundancy to ensure water reliability and availability in the event of climatic shocks to the grid,” he added.
The project, estimated at Euro 654,000 (one Euro = US$1.29 cents), is funded by the European Union under the Intra-ACP Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+).
The GCCA+ Programme, valued at Euro12 million, supports climate-compatible development across 16 Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM0) countries through various initiatives, including strengthening climate observation and monitoring networks, developing climate-resilient water infrastructure, enhancing public education and awareness on climate change, and building regional technical capacity on climate risk management.
The EU representative to Guyana, Daniele De Bernard, said the European Union’s central mission is collaborating with agencies and organizations to tackle common challenges, such as climate change.
“The EU has a longstanding tradition of supporting sustainable development and environmental protection worldwide. Climate change knows no borders, and its impacts are felt across nations.
This is why global climate cooperation is crucial,” he reiterated, adding that “as part of its commitments to address global climate challenges, the European Union is proud to stand with the Guyanese Government in its efforts to tackle climate change,” Bernard said.
Prime Minister, retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, said as Guyana steadily continues toward energy security, sustainability, and climate resilience, the completion of this photovoltaic system is a defining moment that reflects the synergy between ambition and action.
“It also demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
The CCCCC said the project is a model for other Caribbean countries pursuing climate-resilient development.
“The CCCCC remains committed to supporting all CARICOM member states in their efforts to address the challenges of climate change through sustainable and innovative solutions,” it added.
The Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, and the chief executive officer of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh, were also present at the project’s launch.
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