Staff Reporter
The Government has received US$1.5 million dollars from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for solar mini-grid connections, the Harare Post has learnt.
A source from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) informed the Harare Post that UNDP had set US$1.5 million to fund the installation of rural solar mini grids. The funding will also beef up REA's allocation from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) of US$1.2 million.
"UNDP has availed US$1.5 million to the Government which is meant to support REA in the installation and connection of rural solar mini grids. This comes after REA received ZW$1 billion equivalent to US$1.2 million from MoFED," said the source.
According to the source, the UNDP fund together with the MoFED budget allocation will enable REA to achieve a minimum of between five and eight rural community solar mini grids and twenty four rural institutional mini grids.
"The two funds from MoFED and UNDP will enable REA to reach a target of between 5 and 8 rural communities and twenty four rural institutions. These include Hwakata in Chipinge District, Chiwenga in Muzarabani District, Dete in Hurungwe District, Guti in Masvingo, Chitulipasi in Beitbribge and Gokwe Gandavaroyi in Midlands," said the source.
The source further indicated that REA would be installing prepaid meters in rural households that were provided with electricity. In line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), REA was tasked to improve accessibility of electricity in both rural and urban areas to 54% by 2025. The target will be achieved with the help of independent power producers through the establishment of mini grids to service the rural communities.
Meanwhile, the Second Republic is engaging in vast establishments of mini solar grids across the country with the recent mini solar grid established at Blanket mine.
Energy is one of the key drivers for economic development all over the world. The better the quality and quantum of energy available to an economy, the brighter its prospects are. The provision of renewable energy will directly and positively impact NDS1 and at least 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
