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"id": 1464819,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Nominated, UDM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Suleka Harun",
"speaker": null,
"content": "On 2nd May 2019, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) commissioned the Ashabito Solar Mini-Grid in Mandera County, featuring a 60 kilowatt solar power installation. The plant was intended to provide electricity to approximately 1,000 households, as well as public facilities, including schools, market centres, health centres, mosques and the office of the area ward administrator. The mini-grid has played a vital role in bringing electricity to the region, thereby accelerating economic activities. However, for the last six months, the mini-grid has had frequent technical breakdowns due to the worn-out batteries, resulting in constant power supply fluctuations. Most components that make up the mini-grid are old. We urgently need a replacement or upgrading. Additionally, due to the faulty batteries, the community in Ashabito has been compelled to purchase fuel for the generators to restore power and yet, they continue to pay electricity bills to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The fast deteriorating condition of the mini-grid has grossly affected service delivery in the provision of healthcare, with hospitals reportedly struggling to function, and in circumstances forcing nurses to deliver babies using a torchlight. Other essential services, such as printing, have also been brought to a halt in schools. Continuous blackout heightens the already existing security threats from Al Shabaab, putting the government installations and officials at further risk in Mandera County. It is against this background that I request for the following: 1. Plans to devise a maintenance schedule to ensure that all parts or components of the mini-grid are in optimal working condition to restore power to the community living in Ashabito and the larger Mandela County. 2. Measures taken to upgrade the old and inefficient infrastructure to a more modern, sustainable and cost-effective technologies to relieve the community from the burden of fuelling the generators. 3. Plans to connect Marothile Ward to the mini-grid. I, thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}