Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Rural Energy Board (REB) has assured the development partners of enhancing good and proper management of funds, through transparency in implementation of the projects.
The assurance was given on Saturday by the REB Chairman, Advocate Julius Kalolo during the bi-annual meeting between the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and energy development partners.
He said they will strive for transparency of the fund, as well as ensuring equitable distribution of projects to benefit the disadvantaged, especially women, children and the disabled.
Advocate Kalolo commended the energy sector development partners for their support in the implementation of rural energy projects.
“I would like to thank you so much individually and collectively for your continued support in the initiatives of promotion and facilitation of modern energy services in rural areas through the Rural Energy Agency,” said Advocate Kalolo.
He said their support has significantly contributed to speedy rural development and improved rural livelihoods.
Adv Kalolo said services, like provision of clean water through the use of solar powered water pumps for irrigation, preservation of vaccines in rural dispensaries and health centres are among the attributes of their support.
Moreover, he said, the mushrooming of processing industries in rural and semi-rural areas, provision of electricity to educational facilities which enables students to study at night, and using electricity aided laboratories among others have been substantially improved.
The support to access of electricity in rural areas has reduced rural-urban migration of youths, thereby controlling vices in townships and urban areas.
On his part, Mbeya Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Juma Homera commended REA, saying they have received more than 40bn/- to finalise rural electrifications in the remaining villages.
Moreover, they have well released funds for the diversification projects and when the projects are done, the number of economic activities will increase thus improve the public welfare and revenue collection.
Mr Francis Songela, a representative of the European Union that is part of rural energy sector development partners, said they have visited a number of projects they supported, especially the rural diversification and have been impressed.
“The aim of our support is to see that it adds value to the livelihoods of the people, especially those in rural areas to engage in socio-economic activities for their improved welfare,” said Mr Songela.
“As energy sector development partners, we have been impressed to see that REA have lived to the terms of the agreements to see that community benefits from the availability of electricity in rural areas,” he noted.
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