IAMGOLD : Rosebel Community Fund and Ministry of Natural Resources kick off street lighting project in Suriname

Rosebel Community Fund and Ministry of Natural Resources kick off street lighting project in Suriname

The Rosebel Community Fund (RCF) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH) of Suriname launched an LED street light project in the district of Brokopondo. With the installation of the first lights in the village of Nieuw Koffiekamp, RCF, NH and its partners, Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM) and stakeholders in the district of Brokopondo, are supporting projects and initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the district and its residents. Representatives of the traditional authority, the RCF, the District Commissioner (DC) of Brokopondo, Ludwig Mendelzoon, and the Minister of NH, David Abiamofo, delivered remarks at the launch ceremony.

This project has a total value of US$163,090.63, of which US$143,115.00 is funded by the RCF. The NH is providing logistical support, materials and labor during the implementation of the project. A total of 1,190 street lights and 50 solar powered stand-alone light systems will be installed.

DC Mendelzoon congratulated the community of Brokopondo, especially Nieuw Koffiekamp, on this milestone. 'It gives a good feeling that this project is starting. This project must symbolize that we are entering the light. Where there is light, the darkness will fade. Let it be that Nieuw Koffiekamp will truly find the light, both physically and spiritually.' The DC also addressed a vote of thanks to the NH minister and the Rosebel representatives. He also noted that the company's social responsibility efforts and initiatives are having a positive effect within the district.

According to Stephanie van Lobbrecht, Country Director and chairperson of the RCF, contributing to sustainable projects is one of Rosebel's basic principles. 'This project will increase safety within the district of Brokopondo as all communities will be provided with street lights. And, as the DC said, this may symbolize the progress of Brokopondo. The lights that will be placed should indeed be lights of community development, capacity building and entrepreneurship. Rosebel is ready and willing to work with all stakeholders.'

Minister Abiamofo explained that electricity is one of the government's priority areas. 'For the implementation of this project, there has been a collaboration between the Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) and the Electricity Supply Department, which is mainly working in the interior. The EBS network will be further expanded in various areas, because all Surinamese people have the right to be supplied with electricity 24 hours a day,' Abiamofo emphasized.

After his speech, the Minister, together with the Stephanie van Lobbrecht, marked the official start to the project by installing the first lamps in an aerial platform of the EBS. Both Rosebel and the Ministry have committed to ensure optimal use and regular maintenance of the street lighting in the district.