Staff Reporter
The Second Republic’s rural electrification program is steadily transforming communities across Zimbabwe, with Gatawa Clinic in Lower Gweru as the latest facility to benefit. Situated roughly 80 kilometres west of Gweru, the clinic is now part of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) initiative, an essential step in enhancing healthcare services and driving rural industrialization.
The electrification of Gatawa Clinic is welcomed as a critical advancement for both the clinic staff and the surrounding community, as they anticipate significant improvements in healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the launch, yesterday, Midlands Minister of State for Devolution and Provincial Affairs, Owen Ncube underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring rural access to electricity, aligning with the goals of the National Development Strategy One.
“Under President Mnangagwa’s vision, we are witnessing progress across rural Zimbabwe. Today’s achievement is yet another milestone in the push for rural industrialization. The President’s objective is clear every community, including the most remote, should have access to power well before 2030,” Ncube remarked.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) remains committed to empowering marginalized communities through diverse electrification efforts, including grid electricity, biogas, and solar initiatives.
REA’s Public Relations Executive, Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga emphasized the agency’s ambitions, stating, “We are actively working on multiple projects across rural areas. Recently, we launched a solar home program targeting all unconnected households, with a goal of reaching 1.8 million homes by 2030. Through schools and community engagement, we are spreading awareness about how rural residents can access affordable solar systems.”
Sister-in-Charge at Gatawa Clinic, Sister Muchazondida Mapomba, the, highlighted how the electrification addresses long-standing challenges.
“Previously, we struggled to store vaccines at required temperatures, relying on costly and unreliable gas. With electricity, our services will greatly improve. We can now perform procedures at night with proper lighting, and even basic tasks like cooking are now feasible,” she shared.
Community members also voiced their gratitude for the project, noting the positive impact on maternal health services.
“I want to thank the stakeholders on behalf of the Gatawa community, and I extend our gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for remembering us. This electrification project raises our community’s standards, as mothers no longer have to rely on candlelight during childbirth,” said a local resident.
Across the Midlands province, REA has electrified over 956 institutions, including schools, traditional leaders’ homes, and essential facilities. The electrification of Gatawa Clinic is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to uplift rural communities, support healthcare infrastructure, and work toward rural industrialization.
Government rural electrification efforts are not only modernizing services but also empowering residents, facilitating development, and helping Zimbabwe’s rural areas move toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
