Speed up rural electrification, Kapala tells REA

By MUBITA KATETE

ELECTRICITY Minister Peter Kapala has urged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to accelerate electricity connections, particularly for customers who have already paid for the service, to ensure timely access to electricity.

Eng Kapala said delays in connecting beneficiaries undermined the benefits of Government’s electricity connection subsidy programme and called on REA to develop strategies to clear the existing backlog.

“Those who have already paid for the service should be connected without unnecessary delays. We need to ensure that people receive the service they have paid for,” he said.

The minister said this during a familiarisation visit to REA headquarters following his appointment as Electricity Minister.

He also called on REA to establish offices in all provinces to strengthen its operational presence and improve service delivery.

Eng Kapala emphasised the need for clearly defined responsibilities in the energy sector, with Zesco focusing on electricity generation and transmission while REA takes the lead in rural electrification.

He expressed confidence that REA would play a significant role in helping Government achieve its national target of generating 10, 000 megawatts of electricity.

Meanwhile, REA Chief Executive Officer Alex Mbumba reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity access, disclosing that it had recorded more than 62, 000 new connections this year against an annual target of 100, 000.

Eng Mbumba said REA was working towards exceeding 75, 000 connections by the end of the year while expanding off-grid initiatives, including mini-grids and solar home systems, to reach communities beyond the national grid.

“We remain committed to expanding electricity access, and we are working towards exceeding 75, 000 connections by the end of this year,” he said.

Ends.