By Shikanda Kawanga

The Rural Electrification Authority in partnership with the Non-governmental Organization Gender Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has empowered the Nkolongozya Women’s Club members of Kalomo District with 100 solar lighting kits worth K1,075,849.63 (US$55,404.62).

Speaking during the handover ceremony REA Acting Manager- Southern Region Eng. Newton Ndhlovu said solar lighting kits will prevent families from turning to dangerous alternatives such as candles, homemade torches and kerosene lamps.

“These options aren’t only expensive, but they are also a health hazard, impairing education, and emitting astonishingly high amounts of carbon into the atmosphere,” he said.

“As REA we know that the majority of the population in this area are living in total darkness. That is why we are here to distribute these solar lighting kits” he said.

And Sipatunyana Ward Councilor Howard Munsaje commended REA for partnering with the NGOCC in the empowerment programme.

The people in the area will be able to enjoy effective communication as their phones will be charged using these kits,” he said.

And NGOCC representative Joseph Nkausu encouraged the beneficiaries to safeguard the solar lighting kits. “These lights should not be sold; you must use them in your house for your benefits. Anyone who will sell the light should be reported to my office and we will take necessary action,” he said.

Mr. Nkausa encouraged the women from Nkolongozya community to join women’s club so that they learn life skills and also benefits from various empowerment programmes such as the solar lighting kits which they received today.

And Nkolongozya Women’s Club Chairperson Selina Moono expressed happiness that they been given the expensive lighting which they cannot afford to buy.

“We are so grateful to REA and NGOCC for the solar kits. We are in need of electricity but cannot afford to buy these lighting systems. These solar kits will go a long was in easing our lives. I hope more women around the country like us also have a chance to benefit from this programme,” she said.

The Authority and NGOCC signed a partnership in 2018 aimed at increasing uptake of electricity in rural communities. this partnership would create an enabling environment for productivity and improved quality of life especially for women in project areas by providing matching grants for electricity connections, offering technical assistance on projects among others.