ZIMBABWE STOPS SOLAR STREET LIGHT PROJECT

Zimbabwe halts solar street light project because of lack of funds.

Failure to raise enough fund have caused the Kwekwe City Council in Zimbabwe to halt the solar street light project. Last year the council made plans of raising US$200,000 for the installation of solar-powered street lights.  So as to cut down on its electricity bill.

For the fund raising, each household was levied 50 cents per month, but this however failed to reach the budget.

During a recent council meeting, Kwekwe City Treasurer Rejoice Maweni said only US$52,000 was raised. This amount can only buy 4 solar street lights. The council is considering channeling the US$52,000 towards the repair of existing electricity powered-street lights.

The Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Matenda Madzoke, is however of the opinion that the council continues with its initial plans. He said it is more ideal to install a few solar-powered street lights than repair old electric powered tower lights.

In his own words, “I suggest we proceed with purchasing the few solar-powered lights because we are sure of less vandalism and they are durable. If we buy three this month, maybe four the following month, it will sustain us.”