adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
THE Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has invited provinces to submit proposals indicating priority projects that need to be connected with power with the $8 million set aside for such ventures. Addressing stakeholders during the Matabeleland North provincial development committee (PDC) meeting in Bulawayo on Thursday, REA business development director Engineer Arnold Madziya, said each province has been allocated $1 million that should be used before the end of the year.
“From next week, we would expand the electricity grid in the country and once that is in place, provinces will be required to come up with projects that would utilise that power,” said Mr Madziya.
“All the eight provinces except metropolitan ones have been allocated $1 million. The money would be given as a loan to connect power to major projects that can create employment for communities.
“Provinces should now set up committees that would craft those projects and forward them to REA. The loan would be payable after two years.”
Mr Madziya said REA has realised the need to prioritise power connection to projects that impact positively on the lives of communities on a large scale.
He said the funding would be increased to $3 million per province next year and $6 million by 2015.
“There is a need for an integrated approach in this venture and as stakeholders you need to meet and identify community projects that would assist communities,” said Mr Madziya.
Speaking at the same occasion, Matabeleland North provincial administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, said members of the (PDC) should quickly form committees and ensure that they benefit from the funds.
“What this means is that we are left with six months to utilise our $1 million allocation for this year. If we miss it the money cannot be redeemed next year.
“Let us go and form sub-committees now and ensure the province benefits from this facility.”
In response participants said the funds should be channelled towards providing power to irrigation schemes for improved food production.
Others suggested that the funding be used to support local business people who run small businesses to create jobs.
Online Reporter