Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Public Relations Manager Justin Mukosa has said the grid extension project and the solar installation under the 2009 rural electrification programme is progressing well.
Mr Mukosa said that the sixteen grid extension project sites which were handed over to contractors for commencement of implementation would cost over K58 million.
He added that the Rural Electrification Authority in line with the Rural Electrification Master plan (REMP) handed over various projects to different contractors and that the hand over took place early last month after approval by the REA board of directors.
Mr Mukosa further said the approved 2009 projects would include installation and serving of 41 solar energy systems at various public and social institutions including health centers, schools, community centers and chief’s palaces across the country at a cost of over K7 billion.
He said that both the grid extension project and the solar installation would be completed soon as most of the contractors engaged have shown commitment towards work.
Mr. Mukosa said the projects would be undertaken in all the nine provinces of the country by private contractors on behalf of the Authority.
He further said the Authority remains committed to realizing government’s vision of increasing access to electricity for rural communities through implementing projects identified in the REMP.
ZANIS
Good development. Solar energy is the key to Africa’s future economic growth.
But only 41 systems – this is a joke. Let’s be more serious with rural electrification. Schools and Health Centers are in dire need of electricity and you apportion only 7 billion kwacha – half of which will be stolen. Let’s get real.