By Belize Live News Staff: While the Saudi funded solar plant sits stalled, a different project is further along than most people realise.
Minister of Public Utilities Michel Chebat says there are two solar projects, not one.
The second is an 80 megawatt development being pursued with assistance from the International Finance Corporation, signed in January.
“Back in March we had sent out an RFQ to get interest in it,” Chebat said. “We have I think there are five companies that have been shortlisted and we’re anticipating that by October this year the RFP will be issued so we can then move towards establishing these solar farms.”
The Saudi project is a different story. Three years after the US$77 million loan was signed, no funds have been disbursed and the request for proposals has not yet been drafted.
Chebat pointed to the Saudi procurement process and its conditions, including a requirement to use Saudi engineers.
He tied both projects to the wider goal of cutting power costs, alongside the recently signed $125 million compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
“We have a major shortage in the country,” he said.
Which project do you think finishes first?
