(Geothermal observation)
by Contributor
Why are our leaders speaking with “Forked Tongue”, or does one department not know what is happening elsewhere?
DFID Area Manager said at the Governor’s press conference in February that the drilling report concerning geothermal would be on island by February 14, 2014.
In the Legislative Assembly in March the Deputy Premier said, “the report is here BUT I cannot open it! Confirmation has come that the report is indeed on island but it is too complex for ordinary mortals to understand!”
Committee for Reconstruction of Montserrat (CRM) requested of the Government, as members of the established “ENERGY COMMITTEE” that they be present when the “Experts” presented their report and explained in detail what conclusions they had come to.
CRM also asked that a town hall meeting be arranged, much the same as the Scientific Assessment Committee (SAC) so that the people of the island could be made aware of what the experts had to say, and explain exactly what the state of wells No1 and 2 were and what steps could be taken to move the project forward. So far silence appears to reign supreme.
Minister of Communications and Works (C&W) has made two statements on ZJB in the recent past.
1) He spoke about geothermal energy saying that “The Terms of Reference “ were complete and would indicate the way forward. This is before the drilling report has been presented.
2) On the 11th March he spoke again now saying that a “prognosis document” will be put forward BUT not until the end of July. At this time the plant will be ordered BUT delivery will not be for 18 months.
Why all this subterfuge and “Smoke and Mirrors”? Does the present Administration hope to prevent a very damaging report being released during this an election year?
People must realise that every month’s delay is costing households 300 EC+ IF Geothermal is viable. If not then the Island must think again.
It is time the PEOPLE stood up and were counted.
Now in April we have the Geothermal Advisor to DFID brought to island to talk to the government to tell them that more testing is required. This after they have agreed to pay the testing company more than a million US dollars to carry out the extra tests.
This is surely putting the cart before the horse!
Our Premier should be honest and face up to the unpalatable truth, geothermal may not produce the result he hopes for, that is a large amount capable of producing “N” Megawatts of power to sell to other islands. Even if this is true it will not happen in the life of the next Assembly.
The Advisor has reportedly said that both wells can produce 2Mw BUT it is not clear if this is each or combined. Should it be each then we have enough for our needs, if combined then as “Labour Speaks” mentioned this week we will very soon have to return to expensive diesel generation to bolster our production.
Like the authorities dealing with the disappearance of MH 370 people stop believing you when you have not been truthful in the first instance. All governments should take notice.
Not surprised
