Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa recently in MUZARABANI
IN a major boost for rural development, Muzarabani District has taken a significant leap forward with the commissioning of the 45kW Chiwenga Solar Mini-Grid Electrification Project.
Officially launched by Energy and Power Development July Moyo last Thursday, the project is a pivotal component of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), designed to accelerate rural electrification and foster sustainable energy solutions.
This electrification effort promises to reshape the lives of villagers, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities and opening doors to education, economic growth and improved living conditions.
The Chiwenga Solar Mini-Grid Electrification Project is a vital step towards sustainable development in rural areas, promising to enhance education, economic opportunities and overall quality of life for residents in Muzarabani.
It is part of the Rural Electricity Fund’s efforts to address historical imbalances in electricity access.
The initiative aims to improve living standards in rural areas, ensuring equitable access to energy.
At the project launch at Chiwenga Secondary School, Minister Moyo said: “The electrification of schools will lead to improved academic performance.”
He reiterated the importance of technology in education, noting that the donation of computers will bridge the gap between urban and rural learners, in keeping with the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The off-grid programme is a Presidential mandate to extend electricity to 200 000 rural households nationwide and we are collaborating RUF (Rural Electricity Fund) and the District Development Fund to achieve this goal,” said Minister July Moyo.
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister, who is also Muzarabani North legislator, Zhemu Soda, said: “Vision 2030 is now achievable with electricity and water available.
“The provision of these essential services transcends unknown borders and it is a testament to the President’s love for his people.”
Minister Soda praised the project as a testament to the President’s commitment to enhancing the lives of rural residents.
Rural Electricity Fund board chairman Mr Willard Chiwewe spoke about how electricity is crucial for business operations.
“As you are aware, electricity and energy in general play a critical role in enabling businesses to operate effectively and efficiently.
“But rural communities have remained disadvantaged over the years and kept out of any meaningful business ventures because of the non-availability of electricity,” he said.
Mr Chiwewe added that rural electrification has significantly boosted smallholder farming, allowing farmers to engage in full-time irrigation.
The Rural Electrification Agency has made notable progress, establishing eight community solar mini-grids that provide energy for lighting, entertainment, and business development.
REA chief executive officer, Mrs Felisters Makumbinde, called on the people to appreciate the “unique work” they are doing.
“The work we are doing at REA should be uniquely appreciated and not lumped together with other electricity providers like ZESA, as our focus is specifically on electrifying rural areas,” she said.
Chief Kasekete, Mr Faxwell Mutinhima, highlighted the importance of community involvement in maintaining these resources, urging everyone to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
“It is now our duty as residents to safeguard these resources for the benefit of future generations. This collective effort will not only benefit the current residents but also pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come,” he said.
Chiwenga Secondary learner Emmanuel Mataka expressed gratitude for the developments at his school.
“We are located near the Mozambique border and historically have faced many challenges with regards to development yet now we have received computers from the Government.
“There is no longer a difference between urban pupils and us. We can now fully embrace digitalisation for the Heritage-based curriculum,” he said.
Local businesswoman Ms Hazvinei Chamera saluted REA’s efforts, saying it has made it possible for them to build bigger houses, allowing them to install electricity.
“This is a significant improvement in our living conditions. We can now refrigerate meat and drinks, which opens up new opportunities for us to make money,” she said.
A resident, Mr Nicholas Chidanhu, expressed relief at the commissioning of solar boreholes in their community.
“Previously, we had to walk for more than 7km to fetch water from the river. But with water available close by, this will not only improve our agricultural practices but also increase the life expectancy of our community.
“We are incredibly grateful for this development,” he said.
