Dear Editor With reference to an article in The Namibian, “Solar is the Way Forward”, of 30 March, 2007. “Solar Home Systems under the cover of UNDP” I think it is time to seriously complain about the NAMREP (MME) programme. A few years ago, I bought a Solar Home System via the then Premier Electric. The financing of such systems was subsequently taken over by KONGA and Bank Windhoek. Every now and then, one hears that the programme had to be stopped due to lack of funds. This contrasts with the lip service paid by our politicians with regard to the promotion of solar energy. At this point, I would like to refer to Dr Tjama Tjivikua’s speech of 14 July 2006. There are persistent rumours that the bulk of the funds are disbursed to customers in the four O-Regions. Farmers, who have seen my system and decided to purchase, have submitted their applications for funding at the mentioned institutions as they charge favourable rates. They, however, have had to wait a long time to receive a reply, despite the fact that KONGA and Bank Windhoek maintain that processing of applications should only take a week. Some have received no reply from Bank Windhoek since 15 March 2007. Why? Upon enquiry with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and Bank Windhoek E-SME, the answer one gets is that the programme is on hold. But as soon as funds are available, customers in the central north would be given preference. What happened to the Solar Hybrid Project for Tsumkwe? As far as I can remember, this should have been a follow-up project of Gobabeb. I personally attended the official launch. What has happened to those funds that were intended to empower economically weak communities? One hears nothing in the media of any activities of the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Tsumkwe or in the Caprivi Region. In Gobabeb we were told that 19 similar Solar Hybrid Systems are in the pipeline. Has any tender been invited for these projects? The media should investigate this matter. If funds are misappropriated the Solar Home Power Programme cannot run. All communities were supposed to benefit. We would like to remind Joseph lita or the Ministry 0f Mines of the statements he made during a workshop in July last year. Prof Mburumba Kerina