PARAMARIBO, Suriname--Two thousand persons in ten Suriname rural communities will benefit from the completion of a CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) electrification project. The US$ 11.8 million project to install hybrid renewable micro-grid systems at Cajana and Galibi is a part of a broader initiative to enhance energy access and support a just energy transition in Suriname’s rural communities.
During a recent mission, CDF’s CEO Mr. Rodinald Soomer paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dr. the Hon. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of the Republic of Suriname. They discussed opportunities for increasing CDF’s support to the implementation of Suriname’s economic diversification and sustainable growth agenda. This includes leveraging the CDF’s experience in increasing youth and community participation in the inclusive growth of the agriculture and tourism sectors.
Commendable progress in the electrification of rural communities
The rural electrification project is financed by a US$ 10.01 m concessionary loan and US$ 0.49 m grant from the CDF; and US$ 1.3 m in-kind contribution from the Government of Suriname (GOSU). The project commenced with the signing of the Loan and Grant Agreements on April 24, 2024, with a projected implementation of 18 months.
Other members of the CDF mission team, CDF Programme Specialists - Kyron Barker and Kenrick Burke, conducted site visits and held discussions with the Executing Agency - the Ministry of Natural Resources of Suriname - confirming that installation of the micro grids is over 90% complete and should be fully completed and commissioned before the end of 2025.
These micro grids will provide reliable, clean, and sustainable electricity to 1,906 residents in 10 rural communities of the Cajana and Galibi regions; and the completion of this project will mark a significant milestone in Suriname’s pursuit of inclusive and resilient growth.
CDF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are also collaborating on the development of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note, which aims to mobilize climate finance to support the implementation of additional micro grid projects and the empowerment of other rural communities.
