The government has commenced consultations with residents whose lands fall within the corridor earmarked for the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) transmission cables – an essential component of the gas-to-energy project.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., met with over 70 affected persons from the Goedverwagting to Columbia, Mahaicony stretch on Friday. The corridor is expected to extend as far as No. 53 Village on the Corentyne Coast.
Speaking on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Minister explained that the government will move ahead with compulsory acquisition of the lands required for the project. Compensation will be provided at full market value in accordance with the law.
“Significantly, the government assures that every effort will be made to ensure the process is consultative and fair; that the affected persons receive adequate compensation, and that they are accorded all the protective safeguards guaranteed to them by the Constitution and law,” Nandlall said.
The compulsory acquisition process has been successfully used before in similar national initiatives, including the main gas-to-energy plant site, the new Demerara River Bridge, and other major infrastructure projects.
The gas-to-energy project, a critical national undertaking, aims to reduce electricity costs by 50 per cent, improve reliability, and support Guyana’s broader industrial development.
It is the single most expensive public project in the country’s history. The transmission line will carry electricity generated from natural gas to communities along its route.
