Solar Programme On Hold?

I THINK it is time to seriously complain about the NAMREP (MME) Programme.

A few years ago I bought a Solar Home System via the then Premier Electric. The financing of such systems was subsequently taken over by KONGA and Bank Windhoek.Every now and then one hears that the programme had to be stopped due to a lack of funds.This contrasts with the lip service of our politicians with regard to the promotion of solar energy.At this point I would like to refer to the speech of Dr.Tjama Tjivikua on the 14th July 2006.There are persistent rumours that the bulk of the funds is provided for customers in the four O- Regions.Farmers that have seen my system and decide to also purchase and to finance such a system due to the favourable rates submit their applications at the mentioned institutions.They have to wait a long time to receive a reply, in spite of the fact that KONGA and Bank Windhoek maintain processing of applications should only take a week.Some of these have had no reply since 15th March 2007 from Bank Windhoek.Why? Upon enquiry the Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) and Bank Windhoek E-SME only answer that the programme is on hold.But as soon as funds are available, customers in the central north are given preference.What happened to the Solar Hybrid Project for Tsumkwe? As far as I can remember this should have been a follow-up project of Gobabeb.I personally attended the official launch.What has happened to these funds that were intended for economically weak communities? One hears nothing in the media of any activities of the Ministry of Mines & Energy in Tsumkwe or in the Caprivi Region.In Gobabeb we were told that 19 similar Solar Hybrid Systems are in the pipeline.Has any tender been invited for these projects? The media should investigate this matter.If funds are misappropriated the Solar Home Power Programme cannot run.All communities were supposed to benefit.We would like to remind Joseph Iita of the Ministry of Mines of the statements he made during a workshop in July last year.Prof Mburumba Kerina WindhoekThe financing of such systems was subsequently taken over by KONGA and Bank Windhoek.Every now and then one hears that the programme had to be stopped due to a lack of funds.This contrasts with the lip service of our politicians with regard to the promotion of solar energy.At this point I would like to refer to the speech of Dr.Tjama Tjivikua on the 14th July 2006.There are persistent rumours that the bulk of the funds is provided for customers in the four O- Regions.Farmers that have seen my system and decide to also purchase and to finance such a system due to the favourable rates submit their applications at the mentioned institutions.They have to wait a long time to receive a reply, in spite of the fact that KONGA and Bank Windhoek maintain processing of applications should only take a week.Some of these have had no reply since 15th March 2007 from Bank Windhoek.Why? Upon enquiry the Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) and Bank Windhoek E-SME only answer that the programme is on hold.But as soon as funds are available, customers in the central north are given preference.What happened to the Solar Hybrid Project for Tsumkwe? As far as I can remember this should have been a follow-up project of Gobabeb.I personally attended the official launch.What has happened to these funds that were intended for economically weak communities? One hears nothing in the media of any activities of the Ministry of Mines & Energy in Tsumkwe or in the Caprivi Region.In Gobabeb we were told that 19 similar Solar Hybrid Systems are in the pipeline.Has any tender been invited for these projects? The media should investigate this matter.If funds are misappropriated the Solar Home Power Programme cannot run.All communities were supposed to benefit.We would like to remind Joseph Iita of the Ministry of Mines of the statements he made during a workshop in July last year.Prof Mburumba Kerina Windhoek