Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is conducting a comprehensive national energy survey and affordability study in collaboration with the World Bank.
The survey started on 7 October and is expected to end on 11 November.
The ministry’s Executive Director, Penda Ithindi, stated that the study, which will be carried out countrywide, aims to assess socio-economic conditions and identify development needs.
He said the survey will also provide a robust evidence base for formulating policies and programmes aimed at poverty reduction and sustainable development by expanding universal access to energy.
The exercise will encompass a range of assessments, including household surveys to analyse energy access and affordability at the household level.
It will also include community and public institution surveys to evaluate energy access in communities and public institutions such as schools and health facilities.
‘’Furthermore, it will also include enterprise surveys to evaluate energy access in the manufacturing, service, and agro-processing sectors and an off-grid solar market assessment to understand the supply and demand dynamics of the off-grid solar market,” he said.
According to Iithindi, the study is expected to provide the ministry with the necessary data to make informed decisions and implement effective policies.
He added that to ensure transparency and trust, data collectors/enumerators can be identified by name tags to verify their identities, roles, and purpose of the exercise, as well as relevant identifying letters.
‘’Selected households are urged to participate in this important exercise and to respond openly and honestly in order to collect quality data when approached by the field team,’’ said Iithindi.