By Royan Abrams
Residents of New Forest in Canje are set to receive electricity for the first time by July this year.
This announcement was made by Dr. Ashni Singh, the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, during a recent community meeting.
The need for electricity in New Forest was a primary concern among the villagers, who raised the issue during the meeting with Minister Singh.
The matter was subsequently discussed with President Irfaan Ali, who emphasized that no community should be without electricity, particularly those in close proximity to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) national grid and with a sufficient population.
Minister Singh assured the residents that the government is committed to providing electricity to all unconnected communities.
He highlighted that the ongoing work to install electricity infrastructure has already begun in other areas of upper Corentyne.
The initiative involves planting poles to extend the electricity supply to New Forest, covering a distance of about 6 kilometres and benefiting over 30 households.
However, Minister Singh noted that the installation of poles would be prioritized for more densely populated areas.
Residents were also urged to contribute by ensuring timely payment of their electricity bills to maintain their connection once the service is established.
This development marks a significant step towards improving the quality of life for New Forest residents, aligning with the government’s broader commitment to national development and the equitable distribution of essential services.