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The global objective of the project in Laos and Cambodia is to improve the impact of rural electrification on sustainable development and poverty alleviation by establishing effective cross sectoral investment and planning capacities and instruments using Geographical Information Systems as the convening factor. The ultimate objective of the present action is that the developed tools outputs provide the required tangible elements for the formulation of appropriate policies and instruments to reach this goal. Hence, the project will:
- Raise awareness among high level decision makers of the important role energy can play in poverty eradication, through fostering of multisectoral working groups;
- Strengthen local energy expertise of the central planners – Ministry, power utility, regulator and of local Provincial authorities in planning methods;
- Demonstrate the energy services for poverty reduction linkages through providing basic infrastructure services and affordable modern income generation opportunities;
- Develop an alternative planning approach for electricity service delivery by emphasizing the socio-economic impact of energy service extension, in stead of only relying technical-economic considerations.
In the short term, both countries will develop technical capacity and be endowed with hands on tools to direct investments and decide between off grid and on grid options, renewable or fossil fuel based off grid production – and priority areas from the perspective of maximising development impact of scarce resources.
In the medium term, the regional plans will help to develop electrification projects, from which the local population will benefit. A more integrated approach will contribute to bring additional investments in the sector in synergy with the recently established Rural Electrification Fund in Cambodia. There are several possibilities for replication and extension of the project outcomes in the other Provinces of Cambodia and Laos and to other countries in the region.
This can only be achieved through a hands-on “learning by doing” approach wherein a focus group will be formed at the national level, and at the Provincial levels and will be hands on involved in implementing of the project. Specific training sessions at Provincial and National level will be organised. Regular meetings of the working groups as open workshops will ensure sharing of exchanges and ownership building. |
