Staff Reporter
Mashonaland West province has begun identifying beneficiaries for the Presidential Rural Solar Installation Programme, which is set to be rolled out in April 2025. The initiative aims to electrify at least 1.2 million households by 2030, significantly improving access to energy in rural communities.
At a sensitisation meeting in Chinhoyi yesterday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to bridging the urban-rural energy gap through sustainable solutions.
“This project is a testament to our Government’s dedication to providing sustainable energy and improving the overall quality of life for rural citizens. It aligns with the President’s rural industrialisation agenda and the broader Rural Development Strategy by expanding solar-powered infrastructure. The initiative, which has been approved, targets to solarise at least 1.2 million households nationwide from 2025 to 2030. Annually, 200,000 households are expected to benefit from the programme,” she said.
Mashonaland West Permanent Secretary, Gabriel Jaji, confirmed that Kariba district will spearhead the programme’s initial phase, prioritising the most vulnerable communities, such as in Siyakobvu and Mola.
“Kariba district will pioneer the programme in the province, as it has some of the most vulnerable communities. In light of this, Government Ministries, Departments, and agencies must now begin preparations to ensure a smooth rollout,” he said.
Local authorities and key stakeholders—including the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), and Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)—have expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to boost rural industrialisation and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
“We are identifying communities in blackout zones and training trainers at the provincial level before cascading to districts and wards. REA will oversee technical works, alongside RIDA and other stakeholders,” said Engineer Last Sauramba.
Meanwhile, RIDA Provincial Coordinator, Mrs. Edwick Chikaka, revealed that the programme will prioritise war veterans and vulnerable households, while also equipping local youths with skills in solar installation and maintenance.
“We are starting with war veterans and vulnerable households. Additionally, we will train local youths, empowering them with knowledge and skills in solar installation and maintenance,” she said.
CUT has also pledged to contribute through research and innovation in solar energy.
“As CUT, we want to be part of this initiative because our students are eager to research and develop energy prototypes that can be mass-produced for wider adoption,” said a CUT lecturer.
This solar electrification programme is part of the Government’s rural industrialisation and empowerment drive, which is crucial for achieving Vision 2030. By providing clean energy solutions, the initiative is expected to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and support local economic development, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s march toward an industrialised and modernised economy.
