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Mkhululi Ncube
Bulawayo Bureau
THE Rural Electrification Fund (REF) is changing the face of rural life as hundreds of institutions are now connected to the electricity grid.
In Matabeleland South Province, REF has electrified 954 institutions and last Friday, the US$357 000 Zhilo-Shale Electrification Project in Umzingwane District was commissioned.
The project will provide electricity to three schools, one clinic, two business centres and also power four boreholes for easy access to water.
Villagers from two wards near the grid will also be able to connect power to their homes.
Energy and Power Development Minister Cde Zhemu Soda, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Gloria Magombo, said REF is targeting to provide electricity to all rural areas in the country.
The minister said electricity is as a vehicle for economic and social development of the country.
“In Matabeleland South Province alone, the REF has electrified 954 institutions, of which 117 are in Umzingwane District.
“These include 35 Primary Schools out of 39, 17 Secondary Schools out 19, 18 Rural Health Centres out of 20, chiefs’ homesteads, three Government extension offices, eight business centres, 20 Village Group Scheme, one small-scale farm and eleven others.
“It is pleasing to note that this particular project that we are commissioning today has directly benefited one secondary school, two primary schools, two business centres, one clinic, and four boreholes,” he said.
The minister said the provision of electricity has helped improve access to key services such as education and health in rural areas.
The Energy Minister said people in rural areas connected to the national grid are now involved in various income generating projects.
“The provision of electricity in rural areas will no doubt lead to the empowerment of our rural communities, alleviate poverty, build capacity and create employment, which will lead to sustainable development and social equity in Zimbabwe.
“Many other benefits will accrue, among them the reversal of rural-urban migration and economic activities in downstream industries,” he said.
“The Rural Electrification Programme has the potential to improve the quality of life in rural areas of Zimbabwe. Many schools are now electrified and connected to internet services.
“Teachers who used to shun working in rural areas before their schools were electrified are now happier to work in rural areas. Similarly, in rural health centres, electricity has brought positive changes.
“Child mortality rate has been reduced and expecting mothers who were asked to bring own lighting such as candles and paraffin lamps to the clinics in the past are now giving birth in well-lit and conducive environments. Similarly, the cold chain which is essential in the handling of some drugs and vaccines is made available in rural health centres.”
He appealed for more financial support for REF as the current six percent electrification levy that it gets through electricity sales and the fiscal allocation by Government are not adequate to accelerate the programme or to sustain the momentum it has gained.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic and theft and vandalism of key infrastructure has also dealt a huge blow to the fund as it has slowed progress on some projects.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is however disturbing to note the rampant increase in cases of theft and vandalism of the electricity grid infrastructure, in particular conductors and transformers.
“I would like to urge the community to ensure that the grid infrastructure is not vandalised. Beneficiaries are therefore expected to jealously guard the electricity infrastructure provided from such acts of sabotage,” he said.
REF board Chairman Mr Willard Chiwewe, in a speech read on his behalf by REF board member who is also Matabeleland South Provincial Development Coordinator Ms Latiso Dlamini, said REF was determined to electrify all rural areas in the country as part of the fund’s mission to meet the Vison 2030 target.
He urged businesses, institutions and households to make use of the opportunity which has been availed by the development to power their business ventures and light their institutions and homes.
“The Rural Electrification Fund has made significant contributions in providing electricity infrastructure to rural communities as a way to engender this growth and development.
“So far, we have electrified 9 760 rural institutions that include schools, clinics, chiefs’ homesteads, business centres and villages countrywide.
“Our strategic target is to achieve our vision of ‘Universal access to modern energy services by all rural communities by 2030.’ So far, we have electrified the following 61 percent of rural primary schools, 72 percent of rural secondary schools,89 percent of rural health centres; over 80 of chiefs’ homesteads; and an estimated 20 percent of rural homesteads,” he said.
Mr Chiwewe said REF will speed up the process of electrifying rural areas by using both grid and solar technologies so as to contribute towards the attainment of the national vision.
Speaking at the same occasion, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Abednigo Ncube said the province appreciates Government efforts in uplifting rural communities.
“It is pleasing to note that Matabeleland South Province has not been left behind in these development initiatives by government,” he said.
Zanu PF Umzingwane legislator Cde Levy Mayihlome said the development will greatly improve education in the area by attracting teachers and use of computers at learning institutions.
He appealed to internet services providers to assist schools that have been electrified by providing services.
The MP also urged the community to jealously guard the infrastructure from rampant vandalism so that it can benefit future generations.
Online Reporter