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The implementation of REII project in An Toan commune of An Lao District. Photo N.A |
The rural energy project- phase 2 (REII project) aims to improve the grid safety and reduce the electrical energy loss in rural areas. Binh Dinh Newspaper reporter spoke with Nguyen Kim Phuong, director of provincial Trade & Industry Department, head of provincial REII project administration about the issue.
* Could you brief on the REII project and the implementation in Binh Dinh?
World Bank-sponsored REII project aims to newly invest in and upgrade the grid in rural areas to support the power for the production expansion and socio-economic development.
Only 51 communes in Binh Dinh were selected to join the project in two phases, including 25 for the first phase carried out since 2006.
The disbursement of 164.9 billion VND for the second phase has been done since July 11 with the participation of 26 communes, consisting of 134 billion from WB and over 30 billion VND from the provincial corresponding capital.
* What could we expect from REII project implementation in Binh Dinh?
The project will have social and economic benefits after being finished. Alongside advantages, however, there have been some difficulties during the progress, such as the ground clearance or the slow disbursement.
Binh Dinh’s REII project administration asked contractors to speed up the progress and petitioned provincial People’s Committee to steer Districts to deal with the ground clearance and other difficulties.
Also, we plan to petition the WB and provincial People’s Committee to carry out the timely disbursement for the project.
As scheduled, the first phase will be finished by the first quarter next year and the second phase in mid-2009.
* How will the local people benefit from the project?
Many rural grids were built many years ago. They have been, therefore, seriously downgraded. The management as well as operation of the electricity supply is face difficulties. These increased the price and lowered the quality.
Most communes joining REII project have these disadvantages. Joining the project will help them to improve the grid, ensuring the safety and reducing the electrical energy loss and the price as well.
The socio-economic development of these localities is also expected to be strengthened thanks to the project.
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