19 Jul 2022

There are no specific programmes to educate rural and poor communities on the importance of energy efficiency.

However, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy undertakes awareness initiatives in schools across the country, both in rural and urban areas on energy efficiency and conservation.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi also said his ministry used forums such as school visits, agricultural shows, consumer and trade fairs and kgotla meetings to educate communities on energy efficiency and conservation matters.

He said 10 schools were addressed in Gaborone and surrounding areas on the subject and energy audits were undertaken in 12 government institutions.

“The ministry intends to expand this outreach to more villages and schools during this financial year and beyond. The key message is to use energy efficient appliances and switching off energy consuming appliances when not in use.

Apart from the above, alternative sources like generating electricity from agrowaste like biogas and renewables like solar are encouraged,” said Mr Moagi.

He also said the energy efficiency and conservation unit in his ministry was focused on addressing energy efficiency and conservation matters. “It's main areas of emphasis are developing energy efficiency strategies and regulatory framework, undertaking energy efficiency awareness campaigns, developing minimum energy performance standard maps to different products and appliances and conducting energy audits within government institutions,” said the minister.

Tati West MP, Mr Simon Moabi had asked the minister to state programnes or initiatives in place to educate rural and poor communities on the importance of energy efficiency. BOPA