15 August 2013, Monze (Zambia)— The government of Zambia is keen to transform rural areas through the electrification of public institutions throughout the country to boost the economy and enhance the livelihood of people.
Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Charity Mwansa said in Monze that it was government’s desire to ensure that most rural institutions had electricity to bring about development to rural areas.
She was speaking when she toured various projects in Monze District being implemented by the Rural Electrification Authority, REA, with the help of Government. Among the projects were the Njola Mwanza Clinic, Monze Open Air Prison and Kasaka Basic School in Monze East.
Ms Mwansa, who was accompanied by officials from REA, her ministry and heads of government departments in Monze said no development could be attained without electricity.
She said economic development in many areas could only be achieved if public institutions such as schools, clinics, prisons and others had access to electricity which made it easier for service delivery.
She said it was for this reason that REA embarked on the electrification of projects in many public institutions to open up the areas to development.
She said it was gratifying to note that REA was already working with 21 projects countrywide to help take development to rural areas through the provision of electricity.
Ms Mwansa said, “It’s important for me to be here in Monze today to familiarise, to witness and see for myself some of the projects that are being implemented by the Rural Electrification Authority through the ministry.”
At Njola Mwanza rural clinic, she said the provision of electricity to rural clinics would make work easier and enhance service delivery.
At Kasaka Basic School in the same area, she said electrification would help decongest towns as employees would have no reason to refuse to be posted to work in rural areas.
REA chief executive officer, Geoffrey Musonda said the Mwanza/Kasaka project which included the powering of Monze Open Air prison was the most expensive of the 21 projects being implemented by the authority as it had so far gobbled K18 million.
Zambia Prisons Service Commissioner, Percy Chato said the Service was grateful to the government for rendering its support through the electrification of the prison as this would ease security concerns.
Mr Chato said in a speech read on his behalf by Prisons senior assistant commissioner John Yumbe at the commissioning of the transmitter at the newly built prison that the coming of electricity would also boost morale among members of staff and inmates.
Njola Mwanza Clinic, clinical officer Likando Mulemwa and several other teachers and residents said the coming of power to the area would make it easy for the to perform their duties.
Kailjee Construction site manager Christopher Shawa said the project was nearing completion and power would be switched on by the end of November.
– Perpetual Sichikwenkwe, Times of Zambia