Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Monitor Reporter
Published on 2024-02-02 19:00:00
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has praised a new government initiative that aims to connect approximately 1.3 million rural households to the national power grid through the Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP). The project was launched in Mitooma, and Mr. Tayebwa believes it holds great potential to uplift the lives of people in rural communities.
In his address during the project launch, Mr. Tayebwa emphasized that he stands as a representative of the people and a firm supporter of progress and development. He sees the EASP as a significant step towards bringing positive change to rural areas and improving the quality of life for residents.
The EASP, which has received financial backing of $638 million from the World Bank, is designed to enhance energy access for households, businesses, and institutions through both grid and off-grid connections. This initiative is in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040, NDP II and III, and SDG 7, which aims for universal energy access by 2030.
Mr. Tayebwa expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its financial support, acknowledging the organization’s belief in Uganda’s vision for a more prosperous future. He highlighted the importance of such partnerships in realizing the country’s development goals.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ms. Ruth Nankabirwa, shared her optimism that by 2030, all Ugandans will have access to electricity as a direct result of the EASP. The project is expected to benefit 4.5 million people, including 300,000 female-headed households, providing electricity for both residential and commercial purposes in accordance with the Electricity Connections Policy 2018 and Energy Policy 2023.
Ms. Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized that the project includes provisions for energy access in refugee host communities. This includes extending electricity access to settlements and host district communities through grid networks or stand-alone solar technologies.
Buhweju County Member of Parliament, Francis Mwijukye, also voiced his support for the project, describing it as a significant boost to development. He highlighted that the presence of electricity also enhances the value of land, signaling readiness for the project’s implementation in Mitooma.
The project is a critical step towards achieving Uganda’s goal of universal energy access by 2030. By bringing electricity to millions of households, it has the potential to significantly transform lives and contribute to the social and economic development of the country. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and driving progress in rural areas.
Overall, the launch of the EASP represents a momentous occasion for Uganda, signaling a significant leap towards achieving universal energy access and heralding a brighter, more prosperous future for the country’s rural communities.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
