Title: The Mwangaza Network fights for access to electricity in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Introduction :
Access to electricity is a major issue for the Congolese population. It is with this in mind that the Mwangaza Network has started a series of consultations in Kinshasa to raise awareness among stakeholders on the need to allocate a share of the energy produced by private operators to the areas where their facilities are deployed. In this article, we explore the Mwangaza Network’s commitment to access to electricity in the DRC and the actions it is taking to improve energy supply.
The desire to increase access to electricity for all:
According to Master Erick Kassongo, spokesperson for the Mwangaza Network, the main objective is to increase the number of people with access to electricity. The Mwangaza Network maintains that independent power producers have a role to play in this mission by allocating part of their production to improve people’s access to energy. To do this, the network encourages public authorities to define clear rules on the equitable distribution of the energy produced.
Private operators involved in energy production:
In addition to the National Electricity Company (SNEL), the DRC has several private operators who contribute to the installed electrical energy capacity, which is around 3,000 MW. However, despite this growing capacity, the situation for consumers across the country is still struggling to improve.
The need to compel private operators for a fair distribution:
The Mwangaza Network believes that the Congolese state can create the conditions to compel private operators to fairly share the energy produced. Although operators are currently exempt from any constraints, the network is based on the 2018 decree which provides that producers must supply electrical energy to communities living near their facilities. The network proposes to use this order as a legal basis to introduce the notion of an electricity distribution quota.
The need for clear and binding legislation:
The Mwangaza Network stresses the importance of clear and binding legislation to guarantee the equitable distribution of the electricity produced. Currently, the lack of clear guidelines leaves it up to operators to decide whether or not they want to share the energy produced with local communities. Based on the existing legal provisions, the network recommends a combination of articles 78 and 196 of the specifications to define this right and set up an electricity distribution quota.
Conclusion :
The fight for access to electricity in the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the heart of the concerns of the Mwangaza Network. By encouraging private operators to allocate part of their energy production to local communities, the network aims to improve electricity supply for all. However, it is essential to put in place clear and binding legislation to guarantee a fair distribution of the electricity produced. The Mwangaza Network is positioning itself as a key player in this fight for better access to electricity in the DRC.