The World Bank is helping finance a programme that aims to provide electricity to thousands of homes and health care centres in rural Bolivia.

The $50 million (£30m) funding will be used to install solar systems in around 27,000 homes, 130 schools and heath care centres in Potosi and Chuquisaca Departments located in the southwestern part of the country.

Statistics from the 2012 Census showed Bolivia’s electricity coverage stood at 80.95%, with variations between difference places. Chuquisaca and Potosi account for the greatest percentage of Bolivian homes without electricity, a total of 117,000 homes between both or 30% of the total population, according to the World Bank.

Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Resident Representative in Bolivia said: “Access to modern electricity services for 27,000 homes will have a direct and positive impact on poverty reduction and increased social inclusion. Electricity will improve their well-being and generate better opportunities for economic and social development.”

The World Bank has supported Bolivia’s electrification programmes since 2003, which has helped power more than 30,000 homes.