Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
The 60kW Bemba solar project in Tsholotsho District in Matabeleland North is expected to be commissioned on Friday by Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo.
The solar project, which began in 2017, is strategically located about 70km south of Tsholotsho Business Centre. It has already made a substantial impact on the local community by electrifying 35 homesteads in Bemba Village. Additionally, it has provided electricity to essential community facilities, including a business centre, a clinic, and a primary school.
The electrification of schools in the area will also help retain qualified teaching personnel and improve pass rates.
A nutrition garden that uses drip irrigation has been set up, drawing water from a solar-powered borehole which has 10 000 litre storage tank.
The project is a positive development for villagers who had for years struggled to access clean water. Some locals had resorted to drinking water from unprotected water sources which they shared with their livestock and wildlife from the neighbouring Hwange National Park.
Before and after independence, the only borehole in the Bemba Village area was increasingly inadequate and frequently broke down due to overuse as the local population grew.
However, the situation improved significantly with the advent of the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
Under the Second Republic, the Tsholotsho Rural District Council allocated land to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to establish the solar project in the area.
This development marked a turning point for the community, addressing the longstanding issues related to water supply and infrastructure.
The solar project not only brought electricity to homes, the local business centre, clinic, and primary school but also played a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life and sustainability in Bemba Village and the surrounding areas.
At the nutrition garden, villagers grow vegetables, tomatoes, beetroot, cabbages, carrots, sweet potatoes and butternuts for both domestic use and commercial purposes.
Rural electrification is a critical component in the Government’s drive to transform community livelihoods and the policy framework also corrects the imbalances between urban and rural electrification.
The Rural Electrification Fund (REF) is a statutory body governed by the Rural Electrification Fund Act (Chapter 13:20).
The ultimate goal is to socially and financially empower rural communities by enhancing their capability to contribute towards national economic development.
Tsholotsho District Development Coordinator, Mr Aaron Gono yesterday confirmed that Minister Moyo will commission the Bemba solar project on Friday.
“The solar plant is set to be commissioned on Friday this week by the Minister of Energy and Power Development,” said Mr Gono.
Online Reporter