THE Government’s decision to put in place the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) has provided a systematic way of lighting up all rural areas in Zambia.
Electrifying all parts of the country by 2030 is one way of accelerating development across the nation.
Despite the current power deficit in the country, the Government is making rigorous efforts to provide other reliable sources of energy such as solar to ensure Zambia’s rural areas are provided with electricity.
Without such reliable sources of energy, the country’s rural areas will remain economically not viable making them even less reliable to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Therefore, the commissioning of the first-ever 60 kilowatt solar mini-grid project in Samfya by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is a welcome development.
The K7.8 million plant has the capacity to supply electrical power to at least 480 grass-thatched houses in this part of Luapula Province.
Power will also be supplied to institutions such as schools, health centres, the market place, the harbour and street lighting in Samfya District.
This electrification project of Mpanta area of Samfya has demonstrated the Government’s will to uplift the living standards of the people in rural areas.
The Mpanta mini-grid solar plant was financed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.
When he launched the project, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Charles Zulu stated that the Government had embraced the use of alternative and workable technologies such as grid extension, solar and wind energy.
Mr Zulu noted that such projects were part of the Government’s efforts to increase access to electricity to rural areas with potential to contribute to economic development of Zambia.
According to the REA, access to electricity in rural parts of Zambia is currently as low as five per cent.
So the REMP will require an average amount of US$50 million annually to provide power to the targeted 1,217 rural growth centres across the nation.
The provision of electricity to rural areas like Mpanta in Samfya will, therefore, be critical in speeding up development and potentially eliminating poverty.