Power to the people?

Give us news: Old Naledi men listen to the radio using an electrical cord extension
Give us news: Old Naledi men listen to the radio using an electrical cord extension

This week’s average 8.8 percent electricity tariff hike for households, is the latest in a series of increases ranging between 30 and seven percent, effected starting in 2010 to date. Added to these woes, the perennial threat of load-shedding is preparing for its winter grand stage. Written in June 2010, this article by Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI, recalls a less pessimistic time in the local electricity sector

On Thursday, September 13, 2007, the dusty village of Gakuto in Kweneng East began its metamorphosis into the first fruit of a multi-million Pula rural electrification project. When scores of senior government and Botswana Power Corporation officials as well as representatives of Swedish financiers and contractors descended on the village, the inevitable excitement belied the enormous task ahead of all stakeholders: the electrification of 99 more villages, across varying, punishing terrain and weather, through adverse economic cycles and conditions, all within 36 months.

The task, however, paled into irrelevance when weighed against the importance of delivering electricity to villages that have been in the dark since their residents first settled in them.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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