Govt Seeks Community Driven Rural ,Electrification plan.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Brian Sichande said the plan should reflect the voices, experiences and aspirations of communities and link national development priorities with local realities.
He said access to electricity was not merely about infrastructure but an enabler of education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, digital inclusion and improved livelihoods
“Access to electricity is not merely about infrastructure; it is an enabler of education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, digital inclusion and improved livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Sichande urged stakeholders to identify successes that should be strengthened, challenges to be addressed, gaps requiring attention and opportunities to accelerate rural electrification.
“Particular attention should be given to the voices of traditional leaders, women, young people, persons with disabilities, vulnerable households, farmers, businesses, schools, health facilities and community organisations. The strategic plan should connect national development aspirations with provincial priorities and community realities,” he said.
On ASCENT, Mr Sichande said the project presented an opportunity to expand sustainable and clean energy access to underserved communities while supporting businesses, industries, local capacity and economic opportunities.
He said stakeholder sensitisation was critical for communities to understand the project’s objectives, implementation arrangements, opportunities, responsibilities, safeguards and grievance mechanisms.
Mr Sichande called for stronger partnerships among Government institutions, REA, local authorities, traditional leaders, cooperating partners, the private sector and communities.
“Let us work together to expand sustainable, affordable, reliable and inclusive access to electricity, ensuring that rural electrification becomes a catalyst for economic empowerment, improved social services and enhanced quality of life,” he said.