Rural public institutions are set to receive a major boost after the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) revealed that it will electrify such structures for free.
This was revealed by REF public relations and marketing executive Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga who said:
The decision to electrify public institutions for free was arrived at by REF board after realising that some schools and communities were facing financial challenges to fund the project.
We have a facility where we offer 100 per cent capital subsidy, he said. People do not pay for the construction of lines, but only for internal wiring of their buildings and connection fees to the ZETDC.
Those who qualify for this facility are primary and secondary schools, Government extension offices, chiefs’ homesteads and Government departments such as police posts, District Development Fund, Agritex and Department of veterinary services offices among others.
This is only done for the administration block, science laboratories and computer laboratories to ensure pupils and students can learn in a conducive environment.
Nyamayedenda said that as of now, REF has managed to electrify more than 4 000 schools, among other structures in the rural areas. He said:
The authority has electrified 2 699 primary schools, 1 359 secondary schools, 874 rural health centres, 411 Government extension offices, 244 chiefs’ households, 952 business centres, 774 small scale farms, 1175 villages and 803 other institutions.