INCREASED ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION PROJECT -IAEREP- LAUNCHED

 

By Samuel Mbewe

Rural Electrification Authority says government has been resolute on the desire to accelerate electrification of the rural areas as evidenced by the increased rural electrification fund in 2023.

REA Chief Executive Officer Linus Chanda noted that the decentralized application of constituency development fund has created the multiplier effect on the demand for electricity in rural areas.

Speaking during the lunch of “Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production Project”, Mr. Chanda said the authority is committed to improving service delivery to sustain increased investments coming from CDF.

He said the project supported by the European Union will focus on two key areas namely training and development of systems to strengthen REA’s capacity for continuous project development and training on private partnership development models.

Eng. Chanda disclosed that launched project will focus on two key knowledge areas namely training and development of systems to strengthen REA's capacity for continuous project development in order to leverage funding and proper engagement with the private sector.

He added that the second training on public private partnership  development models suitable for implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency schemes.

And National Authorization Office Acting coordinator Temwani Chihana said the total value of the Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production Project is Euro 40 million all grant.

And European Union Head of Cooperation Claudio Bacigalupi says the Union is convinced that increasing knowledge and capabilities in people is the best and shortest manner to boost the performance of the institutions and companies.

Mr. Bacigalupi says groups living in the most vulnerable situations still suffer disadvantages in access to reliable and affordable electricity and in particularly low income households, women and girls.

He said despite the difficulties, the Rural Electrification Authority has achieved relevant milestones in the recent years powering many villages and communities paying particular attention to schools, hospitals, health centres and other civil social facilities.