Minister launches solar project

Marvelous Moyo
ENERGY and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge has launched a Sustainable Energy for Rural Communities (SE4RC) 99kW solar energy and livelihoods project in Gwanda District to help eradicate poverty and promote sustainable economic growth.
The SE4RC project which is funded by the European Union (EU) is facilitated by non-governmental organisations — Practical Action, Dabane Trust and SNV — and aims to improve energy access for communities that are far from the national grid.
The project is being conducted in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

The target communities of the project are mostly those in Ward 19 and part of Ward 24 in Gwanda.
Launching the project at Mashaba Primary School last week, Minister Undenge said Zimbabwe was part of the UN SE4All initiative to show commitment to achieving Energy Access for All by 2030.

Phase one of the project aims to establish a 99kw solar-powered decentralised mini grid, 10 energy services centres which include seven energy kiosks, two energy centres and a study centre.

“We are happy that this project is contributing to the attainment of the SE4All goal that aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services in rural areas, and to improve access to modern energy services that contribute to better well-being (economic and social) of rural men and women in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

“I am pleased to inform you that in Gwanda the project will transform lives through energising three irrigation schemes, a primary school, a clinic, three business centres and up to 10 energy kiosks,” he said.

Minister Undenge said he was happy that the project was in line with Zim Asset since it would ensure the provision of better education through powering Mashaba Primary, better health care through powering of Mashaba Clinic and promotion of food security by enabling the revival of Rustlers Gorge, Mankonkoni and Sebasa irrigation schemes.

“With all the stated benefits to the community, this project will become one such demonstration that should be upscaled countrywide to enable sustainable development and improvement of communities’ livelihoods through energy access,” he said.

He commended the NGOs in the project for complementing Government efforts in helping to enhance the country’s economy.
“We are delighted to have stakeholders like you who see the need to complement what Government is doing. Government, NGOs and the private sector have a duty to humanity, to make the world a better place.

“This is a project of paramount importance to the communities which is evidenced by the presence of Chief Mathe in this launch.

“As the Ministry responsible for Energy and Power Development we remain committed to the development of strong and sustainable links between the energy players and our rural communities,” said the Minister urging the partners to work collectively for the success of the project.

The project site was visited and Chief Mathe conducted the ground breaking ceremony.
Practical Action regional director Mr Kudzai Marovanidze thanked the community for welcoming the project.

“In November, the EU ambassadors would be here to see progress on the ground. Therefore, we hope by then we would see a transformed location,” he said.

A representative of the community, Mr Obert Ncube extended gratitude to the Government and its partners for responding to the people’s needs and “making their dream come true.”

He said it would bring relief to especially Mashaba Primary pupils in helping improve the pass rate as the project would help them to be connected to the Internet like their counterparts in urban areas.

“It will give a new lease of life to Mashaba Primary which would as well get the opportunity to be equipped with modern equipment. This would discourage absenteeism,” said Mr Ncube.

Minister Undenge said Zesa would help complete a Grade Six classroom which has taken about five years under construction due to resource constraints.

The Matabeleland South Provincial Minister of State Cde Abedinico Ncube thanked all partners in the project for such an initiative.

“I would want to call upon the people of Gwanda District to invest in this technology and derive maximum benefits from this God-given resource.

“I urge you to take good care of these assets so that others can be inspired to learn from you and it’s through proper maintenance that the assets can provide a good service to you for a longer time,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Sikhangezile Mafu from the Provincial Admistrator’s Office.

Also present in the event was Ministry of Energy and Power Development permanent secretary Partson Mbiriri, Government officials, officials from the three NGOs, traditional leaders and councillors, among others.