Antigua and Barbuda, September 9th, 2011 -- The keys to a new 30 megawatt Power Plant in Crabbes was officially handed over to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China during a ceremony at the new facility on Thursday September 8th, 2011.
The Commissioning of the new power generation plant will improve APUA’s ability to supply reliable electricity to its domestic and commercial clients.
During the ceremony Ambassador David Shoul, who was a key figure in the construction of the power plant, spoke highly of the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Peoples Republic of China, and the commitment by all involved to see the project to completion.
“With the flick of a switch today, we are expanding our own capacity to generate electricity, wholly owned by the people for the empowerment of our own people. …We are Antiguans and Barbudan’s, this is ours only, a national asset to cherish and draw benefits from for generations to come.” Ambassador Shoul said.
China Ambassador Liu Hanming pointed out the power plant project is the biggest project of economic and technical co-operation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Antigua and Barbuda and China twenty-eight years ago.
“Following the completion of the power plant and the upgrade of the transformers sub- station the current power supply system will be upgraded while the power needs on this island will be met.
At the same time peoples living and the manufacturing conditions will be improved and a new vitality will be infused into the economy development of Antigua and Barbuda.” Ambassador Liu Hanming said.
Prime Minister the Honourable Baldwin Spencer said the new facility has empowered the nation to manage its main energy source.
“The provision of electrical power is not cheap and has been a source of serious concern for the government and people. We have suffered tremendously due to inadequate services, due in part to limited power capacity and certain leakages in the system.
Over the years we have been able to bring some relief with a purchase arrangement with the Antigua Power Company, a private power supply entity.
This arrangement with APC will continue where necessary and the addition of the 30 mega watt plant will not only lend to increasing power capacity by APUA, but in the long term with the price of fuel hopefully falling on the international market consumers should see a decrease in their electricity charges.” The Prime Minister said.
The Chinese government through the EXIM bank following a request by the government of Antigua and Barbuda granted a US$43 million dollar concessionary loan at a two percent interest rate per annum for the construction of the power plant.
This loan arrangement has a maturity period of twenty years with a five years grace period.The nation’s leader said a major thrust of the initiative is for APUA to be transformed into a public company.
“A publicly owned APUA with a new 30 mega watt power company will mean that the ordinary man will be able to earn while they burn.
The sale of shares will increase the net worth of APUA, and could be an integral part of a strategy to decrease the current deficit which is too high for comfort. Of vital importance to APUA going public is the increase in efficiency of its employees who themselves will have a stake in the enterprise resulting in increase productivity and hopefully dividends.” Prime Minister Spencer said.
The prime minister noted good management is necessary to ensure that the plant operates at optimum level.
PM Spencer therefore pointed out that he will take to cabinet for approval, the establishment of an oversight committee comprising of technicians and business professionals that will be first charged with three main functions:
¦To oversee the operations maintenance and management of the 30 mega watt power plant. This will be done in conjunction with technicians from APUA and the Peoples Republic of China.
¦To oversee the operations of a substation; which will ensure the smooth transfer of power from the plant unto the local electricity grid.
¦To oversee the purchase construction and operation of a used oil facility for the plant. The used oil facility will ensure that the plant operates with very little effect on the environment.
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