Timeline
No-Cost Extension - September 2023
No-cost extension - February 28, 2024
Project Status & Information
Status
Financial Performance
Target
Results updated July 2023
Background
The objective of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities Project is to provide connectivity and accompanying electronic services to 200 Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities (HPRCs) across Guyana. Fostering sustainable development in these regions is one of the core priority outcomes of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). A key component in achieving this is the provision of public services and information via the deployment and use of new Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). While ICTs play a central role in the process, the ultimate goal of the project is to enhance the sustainable human development of HPRCs while promoting the development of a national green economy.
The Government of Guyana, working closely with UNDP, has already completed a comprehensive baseline and needs assessment study for HPRCs. The study, which included field visits and direct interaction with target communities, provided deep insights into the core issues these communities face and suggested technologies and business models to help bring and sustain the needed services and information.
Results
To date, GYD 199.4 million were granted to 56 communities to support the civil work construction of the ICT Hubs. 47 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were commissioned with the assistance of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Electrician(s) who assisted in the installation of the solar PV systems; all DSA, transportation, and other costs were covered by the project. This solar PV installation included the mounting of fifteen (15) two hundred and fifty (250) Watt Solar Modules. Digital Inverter, Lightening Protection, Power Cube, DC Disconnect, Main and Distribution Panels. So far, 67 ICT hubs have been commissioned with ICT equipment in each hub 20 laptops, 20 laptop locks, a 32” Smart Television, and a printer.
Technical training was provided to hub managers and others on installing solar PV. To date, 34 persons, 4 of whom are females, have been trained in the installation of solar PV. Additionally, 76 ICT hub managers, 57 of whom are females, were trained.
