The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has called on Zambezi regional leaders to expedite the use of funds allocated for electrifying peri-urban communities.
During a visit, Alweendo urged NamPower, NORED, and the Regional Councils to collaborate effectively to meet the electrification goals.
Alweendo emphasised the importance of efficient resource use and prioritisation within the electrification plan.
“We must ensure that we can do what is necessary. The challenges we face are well known. It is important to evaluate our resources and plan their effective use to achieve our goals,” he stated.
He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to avoid inefficient spending and disruptions in the grid.
“However, within this plan, we must continually assess which areas should be electrified first. Improper prioritisation could lead to inefficient spending. If we address one area and later need to return to another, it could hinder our overall progress, particularly on the grid. Skipping sections of the grid can disrupt our effectiveness in using our resources,” he said.
The Minister’s visit includes engagements with traditional authorities in the region and will conclude with the inauguration of a power line at Masambo Primary School in Kongola on 21 August 2024.
“This year, we are in a better position to enhance our electrification initiatives due to a significantly larger budget than usual. We have allocated N$17.8 million to the education sector in the region, and we aim to finalise the implementation plan swiftly,” Alweendo added.
He stressed the urgency of completing projects before the onset of floods, which could impede progress.
“I hope we can finalise this plan quickly and begin implementation. We do not want to find ourselves in a situation where, despite having more resources, we fail to utilise them effectively. We aim to execute our plans as swiftly as possible,” he said.
Currently, 10 schools in the Zambezi Region are without electricity, underscoring the urgency of addressing these gaps.
