adminPost Correspondent
CHIMANIMANI West Member of National Assembly Dr Samuel Undenge on Monday commissioned a 315 KVA/0, 4 KV sub station worth $200 000 in a milestone achievement that will benefit more than 198 households in Garikayi high-density suburb of Chimanimani. The project, which started mid-last year and was completed early this month, is expected to light up the area which is an extension of the main high-density suburb of Ngangu.
A total of 23 houses are already connected and Dr Undenge, who is also the Minister of Energy and Power Development, promised the jubilant residents who attended the official commissioning that all remaining houses would be connected by end of this year.
Since 2007 when the Garikayi area was established, residents had to endure total darkness, a situation that contributed to deforestation in the area. Residents interviewed welcomed the development saying they would no longer endure walking long distances to fetch firewood.
“We are very happy. We feel refreshed to note that some politicians are hardworking and honest,” said an elated Paul Shamhu.
“Dr Undenge promised to come to our rescue when we voted him into power and we are happy that he is delivering on what he promised us. He is such a hardworking man and we are happy.
“Having electricity will help cut some of the daily costs like buying firewood and not being in positions to stock perishables. This is a blessing to everyone including widows and orphans,” he said.
Another resident, Shumirai Simango, said the development would challenge them to buy electricity appliances such as television sets to keep abreast with current affairs.
“We thank God. Electricity is finally here. We never thought we would get it so soon. We believe that our school-going children will improve their performance since they can now do their studies at anytime of the day and night. It was difficult for them, especially examination candidates to cope with such darkness,” she said.
Dr Undenge said he was bound to make things happen and develop Chimanimani, not only as a Member of the National Assembly in the constituency, but as a Cabinet minister.
“We are doing all this in line with the economic blue print Zim-Asset on the Infrastructure and Utilities cluster and we are happy that we are being practical in our policies. We thank the ZETDC for their professionalism and ensuring that people of Chimanimani get electricity. I feel happy that I have fulfilled the promise that I made when you voted me into power. I feel proud to lead you and I hope to do more and improve livelihoods of the communities in Chimanimani West,” said Cde Undenge.
He pledged to put water reticulation systems in the area into place and ensure that residents would have access to clean water soon.
Online Reporter