It was reported in Tuesday’s paper that Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Christophe Emanuel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Adopt-a-Stop SXM for 60 solar-panelled bus shelters. The news must have sounded like music to the ears of both public transportation users and alternative energy proponents.
However, few pertinent details were given, such as the possible cost to taxpayers. The release also said nothing about using the electricity to be produced by the panels, except that some of the shelters will be equipped with USB ports for people to charge their devices.
That question is especially relevant considering the current project of local utilities provider GEBE to cover the two parking lots along Walter Nisbeth Road (on the Pondfill) with solar roofs to produce sustainable energy. The transfer of the land in question was said to be required, but Emanuel did not see why.
It’s not clear whether the bus stops idea has anything to do with the latter, but no mention was made of GEBE including the expected output in its public grid. That seems a bit strange, especially as it regards a Government-owned company.
Surely, generating solar power at so many locations just to charge electronic devices doesn’t appear to make much sense and would probably be a considerable waste of valuable resources. Again, with little information available, it is too early to judge the plans and they thus deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Hopefully the Minister can enlighten the public a bit during today’s weekly press briefing, because up to now he has raised more questions than provided answers.
