Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Rural Electrification Agency has lit up nine institutions in wards 17 and 21 of Murehwa district in Mashonaland East Province, as the power utility continues to create a conducive environment for rural industrialisation and development across Zimbabwe.
The nine institutions that are now enjoying power supply are Maponongwe Primary and Secondary Schools, Maponongwe Rural Health Centre, Maponongwe Business Centre, Dapandove Primary School and Business Centre, Chiguri Primary School and Business Centre, and Dzivarasekwa Business Centre.
The project started on January 27, 2025, was completed on August 15, 2025.
About US$244 467 was spent on the project, which was officially commissioned by Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, in Murehwa district yesterday.
For rural schools, electricity has enhanced the learning environment, with pupils now participating in evening study sessions, while teachers have access to computers, projectors, printers, and internet connectivity.
Also, digital learning has been made possible, narrowing the educational divide between urban and rural schools.
Electricity also improves teacher retention, as educators are more willing to work in schools that offer better living and working conditions.
In his remarks, Minister Moyo said electricity was a catalyst for development in Zimbabwe.
“Electricity is more than a source of light, it is a catalyst for economic growth, improved public services and social transformation,” Min Moyo said.
“President Mnangagwa has directed us to ensure that there is adequate electricity in rural areas, and this is why we are here today. The President said learners in rural areas were affected much during the Covid-19 era, when schools were closed due to the pandemic. So President Mnangagwa directed us to electrify all schools in the rural areas as well as in urban areas.
“President Mnangagwa said no learner should be left behind. For that to happen, electricity should be available in schools. This will benefit learners in doing computer studies and other practical subjects that require electricity. Our learners should embrace the digital age; they should not be left behind,” he said.
On the business side, the availability of electricity has led to the establishment of barbershops, welding workshops, grain milling services, internet cafés, restaurants and small manufacturing enterprises.
These businesses create employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and reduce the need for rural residents to travel long distances to access essential goods and services.
Minister Moyo challenged the business community to take advantage of the development and improve services.
“We urge even business people in Murehwa to connect their buildings to power. We also call upon youths who are equipped with skills like carpentry, welding and others to take advantage of the availability of electricity and start income-generating projects here. Youths should work around the clock and generate money, not to spend time abusing drugs and substances.”
Dapandove Primary School headmistress Mrs Precious Maud Mpezeni thanked President Mnangagwa for the developments at the school, highlighting the importance of powering schools, especially in rural areas.
“As a school, we are thankful for this development. Indeed, President Mnangagwa is fulfilling the mantra that of ‘leaving no one and no place behind.’ With this kind of development, we will surely be an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“Electricity is key when it comes to delivering quality education to learners. Now that we have electricity at our school, we are looking forward to teaching our pupils computers. Teaching and learning are now easy,” she said.
