PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – Residents of 10 rural communities in Suriname are expected to benefit from a multi-million-dollar electrification project funded by the Barbados-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Development Fund (CDF).
The US$11.8 million project to install hybrid renewable micro-grid systems at Cajana and Galibi is a part of a broader initiative to enhance energy access and support a just energy transition in Suriname’s rural communities.
The rural electrification project is financed by a US$10.01 million concessionary loan and a US$0.49 million grant from the CDF, and a US$1.3 million in-kind contribution from the Suriname government.
The project commenced with the signing of the loan and grant agreements on April 24, 2024, with a projected implementation of 18 months.
A CDF delegation, headed by its chief executive officer, Rodinald Soomer, visited the Dutch-speaking CARICOM country, confirming that installation of the microgrids for the project is over 90 per cent complete and should be fully completed and commissioned before the end of 2025.
”These micro grids will provide reliable, clean, and sustainable electricity to 1,906 residents in 10 rural communities of the Cajana and Galibi regions; and the completion of this project will mark a significant milestone in Suriname’s pursuit of inclusive and resilient growth,” according to a statement issued by Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.
It said that Soomer, during his visit to Paramaribo, held talks with President Jennifer Greelings-Simons on “opportunities for increasing CDF’s support to the implementation of Suriname’s economic diversification and sustainable growth agenda.
“This includes leveraging the CDF’s experience in increasing youth and community participation in the inclusive growth of the agriculture and tourism sectors,” the Secretariat added.
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