As government intensifies its distribution of laptops to grassroots leaders, those without access to power in their villages, will be availed with solar energy.

In an interview, James Musoni, the Minister of Local Government revealed that they would work with the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) to install solar panels in local administrative areas.

"We are trying to work with MININFRA to put up solar energy, mainly at administrative areas, trading centres, communal settlements, health centres and schools among others,” Musoni said.

He said that this will enable cell leaders to make use of their laptops once the power problem is solved.

The minister stated that so far, 800 laptops had been distributed. He revealed that 2,018 cells in the country would have the equipment by the end of the exercise.

According to Musoni, the distribution exercise is expected to be over by next June.

He noted that the exercise started with areas that are already have access to electricity and enough connectivity to the Internet.

"We have started with areas that are connected to power. The cell leaders will begin using the laptops immediately since they don’t have anything to stop them,” Musoni said.

The minister mentioned that a training program, especially in database management which will frequently be in use, will also be rolled out targeting those unable to use computors.

He noted that it would lead to timely service delivery to the population.

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