Lack Of Funds Hindering Electrification Projects � Jinapor

Deputy Minister of Energy and Petroleum John Jinapor has disclosed that inadequate funding is hindering government�s efforts to connect more communities to the national grid, saying it has prompted the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to initiate approval process for a loan to enable them connect additional communities to the national grid. Standing in for his Minister to answer questions pertaining to energy sector to Parliament, Hon John Jinapor said the ministry has completed surveys in some listed communities to enable determine the amount of money needed to connect them to the national grid. He noted that many communities have been connected with service and complaint centers this year with few yet to be completed because of cost overruns, adding that the ministry has earmarked some communities in the three northern regions to be connected next year when funds become available. The Deputy Minister further touched on the ministry�s ongoing rural LPG promotion program where he said over 13,000 of the targeted 50,000 6kg cylinders and cook stoves have been distributed free of charge in four districts, expressing his wish that all 50,000 cylinders be distributed by the end of 2015 to curb dangers associated with other sources of fuel. Hon Jinapor state that the LPG promotion program has slowed down a little because of budget constraint but was quick to add that funds will be made available to procure more cylinders and stoves with accessories and resume distribution.