Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy has already set aside US$ 199,000 (470,000 reais) for the acquisition and installation of solar panels in the 63 schools that exist on the Raposa do Sul Indian reservation, in the state of Roraima.
These funds are part of the US$ 9.7 million (23.89 million reais) earmarked for the interior of the state in 2004 and 2005 by the Light for All Program.
The program has a commitment, by 2008, to reach all the 11 thousand families in Roraima that lack electricity, says Wellington Araújo Diniz, representative of the Ministry and coordinator of the program in the state.
According to Diniz, all the indigenous communities that desire electricity will be served.
The Raposa Serra do Sol Indian reservation contains 1.74 million hectares and was homologated on April 15.
It is inhabited by 15 thousand Indians belonging to the Macuxi, Taurepang, Wapixana, and Ingarikó ethnic groups.
ABr – www.radiobras.gov.br