The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has announced that 55 additional communities in the constituency are expected to be connected to the national electricity grid as part of efforts to improve access to power and accelerate development.
According to the MP, the initiative is aimed at addressing one of the district’s most pressing development challenges, as electricity coverage in Wa West remains significantly below the national average.
He disclosed that before work begins on the new projects, four electrification projects awarded in 2016 for the communities of Grungu, Meteu, Kagu, and Varimpere will be completed within the next few months.
Speaking on the state of development in the constituency, Mr. Toobu acknowledged progress in sectors such as road infrastructure, potable water supply, and education, but noted that access to electricity continues to lag behind.
“One of the critical problems of this constituency is the connection to the national grid. The national average is around 89.5 percent, but sadly, Wa West has an average of about 26 percent. We are miles away from the national average,” he said.
The MP explained that the electrification projects in Grungu, Meteu, Kagu and Varimpere have remained stalled for nearly a decade following changes in government, leaving residents without access to electricity.
Residents say the lack of electricity has had far-reaching consequences for education, communication and economic activity.
The Assembly Member for the Grungu Electoral Area, Manan Zumuro Beyuo, said students in the area are at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in urban communities that enjoy better access to social amenities.
“Without the light, it is very difficult for us. It affects students, it affects academic learning, and it also affects social and economic activities,” he said.
Mr. Beyuo added that the absence of electricity has also affected telecommunications services in the area, making it difficult for residents to access reliable mobile network connectivity.
“We have the hope that if we are able to get electricity, it will have an effect on us getting network within the area,” he said.
The planned grid extension is expected to improve living conditions, enhance educational outcomes and stimulate economic activity in beneficiary communities across the constituency.
