Staff Reporter
A 45-kilowatt solar system recently installed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Chiwenga, Muzarabani, is transforming lives and unlocking development opportunities for one of Zimbabwe’s most remote communities.
The project is a milestone in the Government’s rural electrification programme, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive development under the Vision 2030 agenda and the “leaving no one and no place behind” mantra.
The solar-powered system is now supplying clean energy to several households, a clinic, two schools, and a local business centre, triggering a wave of optimism across the area.
Speaking at the launch recently, Mashonaland Central’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, described the project as a tangible outcome of President Mnangagwa’s development vision.
“What has happened here today is clear evidence that President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind is bearing fruit,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Zhemu Soda, said the electrification marks a major leap forward for Chiwenga.
“The electrification of Chiwenga underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development,” he noted.
Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, emphasised the broader impact.
“I expect to see a rise in school pass rates, improved service delivery at the clinic, and the growth of local businesses. Electricity is a catalyst for all these developments,” he said.
REA Acting CEO Mrs Felistas Makumbinde said the project demonstrates the agency’s determination to electrify all rural communities by 2030.
“Chiwenga is one of the most remote areas in the country, but that does not deter us. Our mission is to electrify all rural communities by 2030, and this is just one of many similar projects,” she said.
At Chiwenga Primary and Secondary Schools, the arrival of electricity is being hailed as a game-changer.
Teachers are now looking to introduce technical subjects and enhance digital learning.
“As a teacher, I am very pleased with the provision of electricity at our school. There is now little difference between us and those in towns. We are grateful to REA for the electricity. We can now learn computers and study at night,” said one staff member.
At the local clinic, nurses and patients are experiencing better service delivery, particularly during emergencies.
The availability of power has improved lighting, storage of vaccines, and access to medical equipment.
Business owners have also welcomed the development.
“This will boost business. People used to walk long distances for fresh meat and cold drinks, but we can now provide those services locally,” said one local entrepreneur.
As rural electrification projects like this continue to roll out across the country, Zimbabwe edges closer to achieving its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
