Lethem residents benefit from GWI photovoltaic training

Apr 13, 2017 News

By Brushell Blackman in Lethem
Twenty-seven Region Nine residents were certified in photovoltaic solar education, on Tuesday, at the Indigenous conference Hall in Lethem.
At a simple but significant ceremony, the participants that were drawn from 14 neighbouring communities in the area receive certificates after completing a two day training programme facilitated by the Guyana Water Incorporated.
The photovoltaic technology is tailored for outlying communities that are not privy to the normal power supply.
Electrical Engineer Aubrey Marks, was the programme facilitator and also a consultant attached to GWI. Marks said that the venture uses solar energy to power pumps across the communities that are without normal power supply.
He said that four solar panels are used to power one pump which then distributes the water supply to tanks that residents can subsequently use.
He stated that this technology will soon be rolled out across a number of hinterland communities so like other residents across the country, they too will benefit from constant and reliable water supply.
In his remarks to the graduates Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West Charles said that he was happy with the response to the training exercise. In explaining the importance of the two-day training programme Dr. Van West-Charles said that the new trainees are now equipped with the expertise to detect and fix minor problems that the system might develop in the future.
Additionally, the CEO said that the training stands to benefit other residents since those that are now trained in the use of the technology can now train residents from their respective communities.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, one participant said that the GWI training is a timely one and it will ensure that residents in Lethem and other communities do not have to trek long distance for potable water supply.
One of the solar panels cost around $200,000 and generates a 260W of power supply. Each panel has a ‘shelf life’ of 25 years.

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