Taiwan financing for solar-lighting of island main road from Sandy Point to St. Paul’s

St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) workers installing lights on the new poles on the road between the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and Sugar’s

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 3RD 2012 (CUOPM) – Financing for the second phase of the street lighting project on St. Kitts has been handed over to St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas by Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Miguel Tsao.

In making the presentation on Tuesday, Ambassador Tsao disclosed that the second phase of the project will install 120 solar-powered street lights along the main road in the proximity of the Newton Ground Agro-tourism Demonstration Farm.

The street lights will be installed on the main road leading from Sandy Point through Newton Ground and into St. Paul’s.

“The first phase grid-powered LED street light project is one that demonstrates the seriousness with which the government of St. Kitts and Nevis promotes green energy – higher energy efficiency and lower carbon-dioxide emission,” said Ambassador Tsao during the handing over.

He said that the second phase street of the street lighting project is a step up on the first phase project.

“It is powered by solar panels, and is strategically located at a popular tourist site. What is expected to be achieved with this second phase project is therefore a combination of solar power, agriculture and tourism,” said the Taiwanese diplomat.

Ambassador Tsao used the occasion to express thanks to Prime Minister Douglas; Minister of Energy, the Hon. Dr. Asim Martin for guidance and support of both the first and second phase street light projects.

The newly-lit Kim Collins Highway financed by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). (Photos by Erasmus Williams)

“You point out the direction the bilateral cooperation between our two countries in the field of green energy should take, and you also set sight on a new model of agro-tourism whose grand design is the direct result of your vision,” said Mr. Tsao, who also mentioned the “seamless coordination and collaboration by Chief Secretary Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Mr. Lenrick Lake, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy for the implementation of first phase street light project.”

“A considerable amount of poles have already been lighted up on the Kim Collins Highway and already people are speaking approvingly of the new lights for the Federation,” said Ambassador Tsao.

He expressed confidence that, with the joint efforts between the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the second phase solar-powered street light project will sure be a big success.

“And I look forward to working with you to bring our common dream to a reality,” said Ambassador Tsao.

Some 36 metal poles have been installed along the route as a result of financing by the Republic of China (Taiwan) in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and the St. Kitts Electricity Corporation (SKELEC).

Poles are now been erected on that stretch of road from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) eastwards to the Sugar’s Complex.