Economie

Rural Electrification : Lighting Local Communities

Par Nkeze
22 févr. 2024 11:26
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Last 15 February, 2024 marked a milestone in Cameroon’s move towards lighting local, rural or decentralised communities.

The Rural Electrification Agency (French acronym, AER) and the association of United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (French acronym, CVUC) have partnered to give the population the much desired energy supply, especially in the rural settings. The AER, based in Nylon neighbourhood of the nation’s capital, Yaounde, was created in 1998 by a Presidential decree and recently reorganised in 2022 with the assigned mission of creation and distribution of energy for the local communities.
The country’s 376 Local Councils henceforth have a reinforced platform on which to develop and empower the local collectivities for the benefit of their population. Outstandingly, the Councils or local government areas of Cameroon will gain a new lease of electrification ever longed for with the engagement of a new policy last week between AER and CVUC.
Moussa Ousmanou, AER’s General Manager, and Augustin Tamba who is CVUC’s national president exchanged signed notes in Yaounde. By their newfound commitment, AER will forthwith accompany and support Local Councils with expertise in building up projects, mobilising financing, and offering solutions for energy needs. Electrification is crucial for improving the quality of life and fast-tracking economic development. It is equally needful for local communities to measure up progress. Access to reliable and affordable electricity can bring numerous benefits, including better lighting, improved healthcare, increased educational opportunities, and enhanced economic productivity. The provision of reliable energy for far flung areas will admirably reduce rural exodus and enable especially young people in their villages to stay where they are, develop themselves and by extension develop the nation.
In Cameroon, public speeches are replete with the citation of development needs focusing on roads, water and electricity. With this trio-type advancement need, electricity stands out as a propeller of industrialisation, which is a modern tool for civilisation. The lack of these facilities is usually blamed on authorities, politicians and leaders who are accused of negligence, self-interest and ignorance to satisfy the needs of their electorate.
This time around, the table is being overturned with AER fully taking up its role to henceforth better lead people to the fountain of electricity. It is equally to satisfy the purpose for which AER exists and nothing short of that. Mark you, electricity when sufficiently supplied, will explode development strides, create jobs, lessen idleness and banditry and consequently reduce crime, violence and tensions in society. Every community or country wishing to have its hand on the plough of development seeks to afford the satisfaction of electricity. Energy is a tremendous mark of civilization, calls investments and indeed remains a priority socio-economic need.
To better light local communities through rural electrification, several steps are required. At the level of infrastructure development, investing in the construction and maintenance of electrical structures such as power lines and transformers. It is primordial to determine the type of energy source readily available locally, be it hydro, air/wind, solar or otherwise.
Embracing renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind energy, and small-scale hydroelectricity can provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions for rural electrification, especially in areas where traditional grid extension may not be feasible. Engaging local communities to understand their specific needs and concerns is crucial for designing effective electrification schemes. Community involvement also helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for electrification projects to ensure sustenance.
Introducing efficient lighting solutions such as LED bulbs and solar-powered lights can help improve visibility, public safety, and productivity in rural communities, minimising consumption, cost, enhancing efficiency and widening supply. Providing training and capacity building programmes for local residents in electrical installation, maintenance, and management can empower communities to take charge of their own electrification needs. Such initiated persons would quickly and sustainably identify weaknesses of the systems and provide local solutions for needful supplies.