CNOOC extends solar lighting project to Kabakaburi, Wakapau, Akawini and St. Monica

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL), a partner in the Stabroek Oil Block, has donated nearly 800 solar lights and twenty sewing machines to four Amerindian villages along the Pomeroon River.

This initiative brings much-needed outdoor lighting for the first time to residents of Kabakaburi, Wakapau, Akawini, and St. Monica-Karawab villages.

A ceremony marking the handover of the solar lighting projects was hosted by Toshao Monty Simon at Kabakaburi village on Sunday.

Leaders from all four villages – Toshaos David Wilson (Akawini), Monty Simon (Kabakaburi), Leon Thomas (St. Monica), and André Mohabeer (Wakapau) – expressed their gratitude to CPGL for the donation.

The lights have been installed in key areas of each village, including landing areas, administrative centres, playing fields, and trails. Each lighting unit is equipped with its own solar panel.

CPGL President, Liu Xiaoxiang, highlighted the project’s alignment with the company’s commitment to green energy and its focus on supporting Amerindian communities.

“We are pleased to contribute to a better quality of life for the residents by providing them with outdoor lighting to enhance their safety, security, and social life during the evenings,” Mr. Liu said.

He emphasised CPGL’s aim to be more than just an oil producer in Guyana. The company seeks to ensure the local population benefits from its presence through various initiatives.

Liu outlined CPGL’s involvement in a wide range of community projects across Guyana, spanning areas like agriculture, clean energy, education, healthcare, sports, and even the development of art and indigenous crafts.

He underlined the company’s broader objective of building a bridge of friendship between Guyana and China, being a state-owned Chinese company.

The CPGL President explained that these solar lighting projects fall under the company’s “Light Up The Night” community programme. The first project of this kind was completed in Moraikobai, Region 5, in 2022. Similar projects are either underway or completed in Amerindian villages across Regions 2, 3, 4, and 10, with plans for expansion into other regions.

Liu expressed his appreciation for the cooperation extended by the four village councils, villagers themselves, and the National Toshaos Council.

In addition to the solar lights, CPGL has also donated five sewing machines to each village. Sewing classes for villagers will begin in July. This initiative aims to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities within the communities.