By Martha Chikoti, Contributor
Malawi's Rural Electrification Project, Deputy Director at MAREP, Francisco Chingoli, says the project is working hard to reach its target of 50% coverage by 2030 as a way of increasing access to electricity in rural areas.
We are targeting 50 percent coverage by 2030 Pic Martha Chikoti
Chingoli emphasizes that transparency and accountability are key to the project's success.
According to him, MAREP is striving hard to make all transactions and project information publicly available in order to address the issue of corruption and to ensure that everyone is aware of the project's progress and can hold the implementers accountable.
"The project's goal is to leave no one behind, as long as resources are available",He explained
Chingoli stresses that MAREP aims to bring electricity to even the most rural areas, promoting economic development and improving the quality of life.
However, National Coordinator at Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) Julius Ng'oma, said despite the progress made, MAREP still faces numerous challenges.
He said these include climate change, slow disbursement of funds, and issues with site identification and prioritization.
Ng'oma emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement in monitoring the project's progress, particularly in the provision of clean energy.
There are still challenges with the program- Ng'oma Pic Martha Chikoti
He acknowledges that MAREP has shown improvement in accelerating the electrification process, but more needs to be done to ensure the project delivers on its promise.
MAREP was initiated in 2004, with the goal of electrifying 25% of rural households by 2015. The project has undergone several phases, with the first phase focusing on the electrification of 336 rural trading centers and surrounding villages.
The project's main objectives include increasing access to electricity in rural areas, promoting economic development, and improving the quality of life.
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