Bernard Mutambudzi

Following the destruction of electricity lines by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has come up with a a rehabilitation programme.

In a telephone interview, REA spokesperson, Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga revealed that schools, clinics and business centres in Tiya, Kushinga and Muchadziya were their prime targets. He said REA did not want the economic activities derived from the use of electricity to die a natural death.

Tendai Nyabanga, councillor for ward 16 said the electrification of her area was a testimony that Government had always recognised the importance of energy and electricity as a vehicle for economic and social development.

"The electrification of Tiya Business Centre will help communities to create employment and end poverty," she said adding that “provision of electricity in my area will no doubt lead to the empowerment of our rural communities, poverty alleviation, capacity building and employment creation."

Nyabanga implored teachers and health workers to take advantage of the electrification of rural institutions so that they improve quality of education and healthcare.

"The infrastructural development will not end here, we are going to ensure that all the roads in the constituency are accessible and improve water and sanitation," said Nyabanga.

 The Government has crafted National Energy Policy which seeks to ensure that every Zimbabwean has access to adequate, reliable and sustainable energy. The Agency's main focus is to spearhead rapid and equitable electrification of rural area in Zimbabwe. To date, the rural electrification program has seen many rural institutions being electrified.