Rural energy fund makes strides
the mandate to facilitate rapid and equitable provision of energy to rural areas. I am sure you recall that rural areas suffered neglect for a long time because successive colonial regimes conveniently disregarded the fact that the majority of the citizens of Zimbabwe live in the rural areas,” he said.
“Energy is the engine for economic growth and social development. REF has made significant contributions in providing energy to rural communities as a way to engender this growth and development since its inception in 2002.
“We have provided energy to many rural institutions such as schools, clinics, business centres and villages countrywide.”
Mr Chiwewe said while REF had made significant strides in providing energy to rural communities in the country, it had not been spared by challenges affecting the energy sector in general such as the lack of adequate generation capacity in the country and the SADC region, as well as inadequate revenue streams.
He said the country, therefore, needs additional sources of energy, which are affordable and sustainable, particularly to meet the energy needs of rural communities.
To date, over 100 domestic biogas digesters have been constructed at rural institutions and households countrywide.
Mr Chiwewe said to achieve wider access to biogas energy by rural communities, REF would continue to roll out programmes, as well as build capacity in biogas technology. He said REF would continue to implement specific renewable energy programmes.
The statutory body will also play an important coordinating role among the various players in order to develop common standards for the renewable energy sub-sector in the country.