Neno communities drilled in clean energy systems
Community leaders in Neno on Monday converged at Zalewa agriculture office where, among others, they banged heads on how they can promote the use of clean energy systems to preserve the environment.
The training, conducted with financial support from the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (Pacja) in partnership with Christian Aid through Civil Society Network on Climate Change (Cisonecc), brought together representatives from area development committees and officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mining.
Addressing the gathering, the ministry’s principal energy officer Conwell Chisale said it was high time issues of clean energy were taken as a priority.
He said it was sad communities are not sensitised to the advantage of alternative sources such as gas and electricity.
“Even with electricity using it as a source of fuel is expensive; hence, their dependence on charcoal and firewood,” said Chisale.
Cisonecc national coordinator Julius Ngoma urged the community leaders to engage in conversations with government to transition from energy sources that are depleting natural resources and causing harm to the environment.
Neno district forestry assistant officer Aubrey Macheso said more ought to be done on rural electrification and availability of gas.
