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About 3 700 rural public institutions remain un-electrified
14 Feb 2016 at 06:11hrs | Views
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgar Nyasha Mbwembwe have said 3 700 rural public institutions remain un electrified to date.
"About 3700 rural public institutions remain un-electrified to date. It is estimated that between US$250 – 300 million is required to provide some form of energy source to these outstanding rural public institutions," he said. "Of the 3 700 institutions, about 3 000 are within 20 km of the existing grid network while the remainder are beyond 20 km from the existing grip network. In an effort to meet our ZIM ASSET targets, the REF plans to extend the grid to all institutions within 20 km of the existing grid network, while providing those beyond 20 km with renewable energy sources by 2018."
He said achievement of this target is subject to availability of resources. In the outlook, in line with government vision, it is envisaged that all rural communities will have access to modern energy services by 2030.
"The Rural Electrification Fund is expected to play a pivotal role in this government effort," he said. "If government, through the REF, is to attain this vision of universal access to modern energy services by all by 2030, it will be necessary to continue charging consumers the Rural Electrification Levy, until such time when other alternative sources of funding have been identified."
He was speaking in parliament on behalf of the minister of Energy Samuel Undenge.
"About 3700 rural public institutions remain un-electrified to date. It is estimated that between US$250 – 300 million is required to provide some form of energy source to these outstanding rural public institutions," he said. "Of the 3 700 institutions, about 3 000 are within 20 km of the existing grid network while the remainder are beyond 20 km from the existing grip network. In an effort to meet our ZIM ASSET targets, the REF plans to extend the grid to all institutions within 20 km of the existing grid network, while providing those beyond 20 km with renewable energy sources by 2018."
He said achievement of this target is subject to availability of resources. In the outlook, in line with government vision, it is envisaged that all rural communities will have access to modern energy services by 2030.
"The Rural Electrification Fund is expected to play a pivotal role in this government effort," he said. "If government, through the REF, is to attain this vision of universal access to modern energy services by all by 2030, it will be necessary to continue charging consumers the Rural Electrification Levy, until such time when other alternative sources of funding have been identified."
He was speaking in parliament on behalf of the minister of Energy Samuel Undenge.
Source - Byo24News
