His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the township of Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) will see its electricity rate reduced by 25% from July 2026.
Addressing hundreds of residents during a community meeting in Bartica, the Head of State said the reduction is the first step in his Government’s wider commitment to cut electricity costs across the country by 50%.
He explained that the cut is made possible by the new 1.5-megawatt Bartica Solar Farm, which reduces diesel consumption for electricity generation during daylight hours.
By replacing diesel generation, the solar farm avoids fuel, maintenance and lubricant costs totalling $185.8 million annually (about US$864,000), or $15.5 million per month. Over five years, these savings exceed $929 million — roughly 27% of Bartica’s electricity costs — enough to fund a 25% tariff reduction while keeping the grid self-sustaining.
The reduction will benefit approximately 5,254 customers. On average, each household will save $2,742 per month, or $32,907 per year. In total, $172.9 million annually will be returned to the people of Bartica.
To further assist residents, especially the most vulnerable, the President also announced that the Government “will be announcing a specific programme to target improved home ownership in hinterland and riverine communities, with priority for persons living with disability, single mothers and, of course, the elderly”.
He underscored that housing demand has moved beyond large urban centres and pledged that his Government will continue to put the necessary systems in place to support all Guyanese.
Development of Bartica
To further accelerate the development of Bartica and, by extension, the wider region, President Ali said his Government will institute a number of transformational projects and programmes. These include investment in critical equipment for the town — such as a grader, roller, excavators and trucks — to establish a structured maintenance programme.
Another challenge to be addressed, he noted, is sanitation and garbage disposal. “That is why we are investing in a new landfill site. We have new garbage trucks coming to support private sector operations, and the same management committee we are putting in place will also be asked to oversee garbage collection and improve sanitation in Bartica and its environs”.
He further announced that the first phase of lighting every street in Bartica will begin by August 2026, while rising air transport costs will also be tackled.
The President noted that the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, the Honourable Deodat Indar, will hold consultations “so that we can find ways of supporting communities and villages in reducing the cost of air transport”.
President Ali also visited Batavia, where he announced a series of developmental projects for the community. The initiatives are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, services and livelihoods for all residents. He confirmed two new water systems — one for the school and another for Section Two — to complement the recently completed trestle and well.
Road upgrades are also planned, with 1.5 to 2 kilometres of all-weather surfaces to be built using crushed stone, ensuring reliable access from the landing.
The President further stated that sea defences will be repaired in phases, beginning with 300 critical feet this year, while buoys will be installed to improve river safety and the landing upgraded. Support for the Community Policing Group was also announced, including provision of an ATV and access to the hinterland and riverine home improvement programme.
During his interaction with residents, President Ali highlighted ways to boost food production, both livestock and crops, and updated them on advanced plans for an eco-tourism project first discussed during Heritage Month.
