By Blessings Makuwira:
The government, through the Ministry of Energy, has stated that it has spent about K62 billion since commencement of the ninth phase of the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep).
Ministry of Energy Deputy Director responsible for Electrification Francisco Chingoli said the ministry is impressed with the programme’s progress.
He was speaking during a tour organised by the ministry and Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurance and Public Reforms,
According to Chingoli, K62 billion has been used in Marep 9, where they were targeting 460 centres.
“About 16,000 households have benefitted from the programme in the rural areas, and about K62 billion has been spent so far,” Chingoli said.
Chingoli further stated that they are also geared for Marep 10, which will commence soon, as about 105 billion Kwacha has been set aside, targeting 700 sites.
Meanwhile, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurance and Public Reforms Noel Lipipa spoke highly of the progress.
According to Lipipa, the rural electrification efforts by the government have improved developmental activities in rural areas, as communities are able to use and do businesses that require electricity.
“We are really satisfied with the progress of Marep 9 that the Ministry of Energy is implementing, especially in rural areas, as people are able to use electricity in businesses such as barbershops and maize mills,” said Lipipa.
Group Village Head Kusakha in Mangochi District and Chanje in Mulanje have also commended the government for rural electrification, saying this is a significant development, especially in rural areas, after noticing the challenges people face due to the absence of electricity.
Group Kusakha stated that due to the introduction of electricity in his area, communities are able to engage in different businesses that were previously impossible.
Mulomba Area Development Committee Chairperson in Mulanje, Zafania Magwira, said the rural electrification efforts will help eradicate challenges faced by women and girls, such as sexual abuse, as they will no longer have to cover long distances to access maize mills.
This week, the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurance and Public Reforms visited Dedza, Mulanje and Mangochi to appreciate the progress of Marep 9.
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