The Energy Ministry is surprised that only 27 Councils countrywide have so far acted on the govt initiative that they partner with REA to accelerate electrification.
Lusaka, July 15 – Minister of Energy, Eng. Peter Chibwe Kapala, has challenged Members of Parliament to quickly partner with the Rural Electricity Authority (REA) and have their Constituencies connected to the national grid.
Eng. Kapala said since the launch of the Priority Rural Electrification Project (PREPs) only 27 Councils countrywide have so far signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with REA to accelerate electrification access of rural areas.
He observed that this is not the expectation of government adding that the aim of collaboration between the MPs and REA is to see to it that most, if not all, of the Constituencies have access to electricity.
The Minister said this at Parliament during the symposium with Members of Parliament on the electrification of public facilities in rural areas using the constituency development fund (CDF).
Eng. Kapala said from the K1m Constituency Development Fund (CDF) contribution which government directed, it is expected that most if not all public institutions will have access to electricity.
“The rationale behind this is to ensure that once public institutions are connected to the grid, households can also tap electricity and have their houses connected to the grid. But it is sad to note that only 27 Councils have so far signed MOUs with REA and I am now calling upon all Councils to do so and ensure that all areas are connected to the national grid,” Eng. Kapala urged.
Also Read: ZESCO signs a 2.4GW PPA with CiEG of China.
The Minister of Energy has since advised the MPs to ensure that they take advantage of the symposium to learn how they can have their Constituencies connected to the grid.
And Members of Parliament who have not yet signed MOUs with REA said they will ensure that they enter into partnership with REA and have their Constituencies connected to the grid.
Kalomo Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Harry Kamboni, said he has tapped a lot of knowledge from the symposium and will ensure that he signs the MOUs with REA. Hon. Kamboni noted that most hospitals in his Constituencies have electricity apart from clinics and schools.
Meanwhile, Mumbwa Member of Parliament, Hon. Credo Naguwa, said immediately after the symposium he would start mobilizing his Constituency office to ensure that an application is done.
You can follow Woodpecker’s Digest on Twitter and Facebook. Remember to add to the comments below to share your thoughts.
©2023 Woodpecker’s Digest.
Putting news into perspective
