Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Nyamandlovu
ALL rural schools in uMguza District, Matabeleland North Province will be electrified by the end of the year as Government accelerates efforts to improve access to quality education and rural development, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has said.
Speaking at the switch-on ceremony of Majindane Primary School in Nyamandlovu today, Minister Moyo said the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was on course to ensure that every school in the district has access to electricity before year-end.
He said significant progress had already been achieved with most schools in the district now connected to the national grid.
“We are on the road to electrifying all schools in uMguza district. To date 44 schools have been electrified and left 11.
“Also, 14 secondary schools have been electrified and just two are left.
“We promise that the targets will be met by year end, we will deliver,” he said.
Minister Moyo commended REA staff for their commitment and hard work in advancing rural electrification projects across the district and the country.
He said electrifying schools goes beyond powering classrooms, as it also improves living conditions for teachers and enhances the overall learning environment.
Minister Moyo stressed the importance of extending electricity connections to teachers’ cottages, noting that educators spend most of their time with learners and require comfortable living conditions to effectively carry out their duties.
He said a motivated and comfortable teacher was better positioned to impart knowledge and contribute to improved educational outcomes.
The Minister also urged communities, working through traditional and local leadership structures, to safeguard electricity infrastructure from vandalism and theft.
He said protecting the infrastructure was critical to ensuring that communities continue to benefit from Government investments aimed at transforming rural livelihoods through improved access to energy.
The electrification of Majindane Primary School adds to a growing number of educational institutions being connected under the Rural Electrification Programme, which is playing a key role in bridging the development gap between urban and rural communities.
