Samuel Mbewe
Kalumbila -Residents of Maheba Refugee Resettlement in Kalumbila District of North Western Province have expressed delight over the anticipated electricity connection by the Rural Electrification Authority after spending more than 50 years without power.
Those talked to says electricity connection in the area will trigger development in the resettlement area and spur economic activities.
They stressed that the move will also enhance the quality of education in the area as this will give pupils more time to study and effectively learn computer studies especially the practical part.
The Rural Electrification Authority is set to electrify Maheba Refugee Resettlement for the first time since the establishment of the in 1971 which will benefit more than 40 000 people.
Over 40, 000 residents of Maheba Refugee resettlement will be connected to electricity for the first time since the establishment of the camp in the country in 1971.
Rural Electrification Authority Vice Board Chairperson Mazuba Mwambazi says the project will be done at cost of K16 million in partnerships with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Speaking at the launch of the Electrification project at Maheba Boarding Secondary School in Kalumbila District of North Western Province, Ms. Mwambazi says the Authority will construct 10.4Kilometers of 33 kilo volt high tension line and 10.9kilomerters of 0.4Kilo Volt low tension line at an estimated cost of K9.7million.
Ms. Mwambazi said the United Nations High Commission will finance the construction of 17.8 Kilometers of 33kilo volt high tension line at a of cost of K6.3 million.
And, UNCHR Country Representative Preeta Law says the project will create employment opportunities for both the refugees and the host community and will also help in supplying schools with electricity.
Meanwhile, North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Grandson Katambi said the provision of electricity demonstrates government’s commitment to ensure the attainment of universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy services for all by 2030.
