malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
ABOUT 1,8 million rural households are set to get electricity under the national solar home system programme to be implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The initiative is aimed at bringing clean energy to remote communities across the country.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, REA spokesperson Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga said the project will have a significant impact on rural livelihoods.
“We are targeting about 1,8 million people who live in the rural areas of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Nyamayedenga.
“We are now sending questionnaires and catalogues of solar plants to gather information about the specific needs of our communities.”
The solar home systems will vary in size and capacity, catering for various household needs.
“They can range from, let’s say, two lights up to a big solar system, which can power a refrigerator, a stove, an iron, as well as entertainment, radio and television.”
The REA board has reportedly approved the programme and will offer subsidies to beneficiaries. Treasury will provide part of the funding for the initiative.
The programme will also be financed through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), a statutory body established in 2002 to facilitate the expansion of electricity access in rural areas.
REF focuses on building and expanding the rural electricity grid infrastructure by working with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
The fund collects a levy, included on electricity bills paid by consumers connected to the national grid, specifically for rural electrification.
Mr Nyamayedenga also said, under REA’s community solar systems initiative, eight institutions, one in each of the country’s eight rural provinces, will benefit.
“We are also into community solar systems. This year, we have a target of eight institutions, each province getting one. For example, we have the Wakwata one in Chipinge, which is complete. It is set for commissioning very soon. It is a big plant, which is producing 220 kilowatts. And we have electrified almost 80 homesteads, a school, a clinic, a business centre and also an irrigation scheme to allow people to do farming there.”
This year, REA has so far installed solar systems at 23 institutions countrywide, out of its target of 25.
“This year, we had a target of 25 institutional solar projects. We have already completed 23. The other two will be completed very soon. After this, we are forging ahead; we will be starting other solar programmes.
“To improve electricity supply in the rural areas, we are exploiting all renewable energy technologies available in Zimbabwe.”
The Government continues to push for the universal access to modern energy services by all Zimbabweans in rural areas by 2030.
Online Reporter