KATIMA MULILO – The director of Energy Funds in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy Anna Libana said her ministry has, through the Solar Revolving Fund (SRF), financed a total of 5 709 renewable energy technologies and 93 grid connections.
These amounted to N$176 million since 2010 when the ministry took this mandate that was once outsourced. Libana made this revelation at the official opening of the Zambezi Bream Festival and Cultural Expo on Wednesday.
She reiterated the Swapo Party manifesto implementation plan, which, amongst others, aims to increase the national electrification rate to 70%, particularly rurally.
The ministry provides subsidised loans to individuals, farmers and businesses for the purchase of renewable energy technologies.
These include solar home systems, photovoltaic pumps, solar water heaters and grid connections in collaboration with Nored.
“We need to ensure economic development and respond to the plight of the people living in rural areas. Access to electricity is no longer a luxury. It has become a basic service that ought to be found in every village, every home and every farm in every part of Namibia. Hence, promotion and increased access to rural electrification, through the use of renewable energy technologies and grid connection, are vital,” Libana said.
She noted that the SRF team is participating in this year’s expo to provide detailed information about the loan application process and the required documentation.
She added that the fund is open to all Namibian citizens who have a steady income and can repay.
“Beneficiaries include civil servants, farmers, entrepreneurs, pensioners and small business owners. The intention is to empower citizens with the means to take control of their energy needs, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner and greener Namibia,” she stated.
She added that her ministry’s partaking in this year’s expo is part of that commitment to reach out to the people where they are, bringing government services closer to the community and taking them to the next step towards energy independence. – Nampa