By NATION REPORTER
MINISTER of Energy Peter Kapala has challenged Members of Parliament to quickly partner with the Rural Electricity Authority (REA) and have their constituencies especially those in rural areas connected to the national grid.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”2″ ]
Mr 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 constituencies have access to electricity.
ZANIS reports that 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).
Mr Kapala said from the K1 million 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 am now calling upon all councils to do so and ensure that all areas are connected to the national grid” said Mr Kapala.
He urged the MPs to ensure that they take advantage of the symptom and learn how they can have their constituencies connected to the grid.
And MPs 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.
Mr Kamboni noted that most hospitals in his constituencies have electricity apart from clinics and schools.
Meanwhile, Mumbwa Member of Parliament Credo Naguwa said immediately after the symposium he will start mobilizing his constituency office and ensure that an application is done.
[/ihc-hide-content]
