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Works being carried out to locate the new four megawatt generator at the Needsmust Power Station. (Photo by Erasmus Williams) | BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 12TH 2006 (CUOPM) - With a significant increase in residences and businesses throughout the twin-island Federation as a result of growth in the economy, the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration has taken steps to ensure the availability of adequate and reliable electricity to the growing list of consumers.
Minister of Public Utilities, Works, Transport and Posts, Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin has announced his Ministry has entered into a contractual arrangement with German-based MAN B&W for a four megawatt generator costing
EC$14 Million "to enhance the reliability of power supplies to the citizens of this country."
Dr. Martin said that the generator is due to roll off the assembly line by January 2007 and installed and commissioned shortly.~~Adz:Right~~
He disclosed that during a recent visit to Venezuela, he held made a request
in his discussions with officials of the Government of President Hugo Chavez
for the underwriting of the cost of the new generator.
"They have indicated we should have an answer within one month," Dr. Martin told a Press Conference.
He said his Ministry has begun a renovation programme at the Needsmust Power
Station. "The civil works are currently ongoing with large areas being demolished in preparation for the installation and commissioning of the new generator," said Dr. Martin, the four-term Labour Party Representative for East Basseterre and a former Minister of Health.
Dr. Martin disclosed that the Government of Venezuela would also be providing technical support to the St. Kitts Electricity Department to manage the agreement of the contract signed with MAN B&W.
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A technical team led by the led by Mr. E Ray Proctor, head of an International Electrical Construction Group has been mandated to conduct an audit of the entire electrical generation and transmission systems in St.
Kitts.
Minister Martin said that the functions of the Technical Team will involve visits to Germany to view first hand the manufacture of the four megawatt generator.
The new four megawatt generator when installed will increased the installed capacity to 37.5 megawatts with a reserve margin of 12.5 megawatts. |
