Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze,[email protected]
COWDRAY Park legislator Cde Arthur Mujeyi has partnered with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) in a major electrification drive that will see transformers installed to benefit residents in parts of the sprawling suburb who have lived without power for decades.
Cowdray Park, Bulawayo’s most populous suburb, is home to more than 78 000 households, many of which have remained in darkness since the area was established. Only a small number of residents have managed to self-fund electricity connections from the main line.
Cde Mujeyi said the intervention forms part of a broader effort to address long standing service delivery gaps in the suburb.
“Cowdray Park still lacks basic services such as electricity, sewer reticulation, water and proper roads. While some residents have managed to connect electricity on their own, the majority simply cannot afford it,” he said.
Under the initiative, Segment 3 will receive two transformers, Segment 6 two transformers, and Segment 5 four transformers, with installations expected to begin soon following engagement between ZETDC and residents.
“We are working closely with ZETDC to ensure electricity is distributed from the main line to households. We have already started touring homes that are ready for connection so that transformers can be installed without delay,” Cde Mujeyi said.
He added that he has so far donated more than five transformers in other parts of Bulawayo, including Ward 28, Ward 15 and Ward 6, as part of his commitment to improving access to electricity.
The Cowdray Park initiative dovetails with the Government’s national electrification programme, which aims to connect more than 300 000 households currently without electricity as Zimbabwe accelerates implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Under the programme, ZETDC is leveraging partnerships with legislators, local authorities and the private sector to clear an electrification backlog estimated at more than 300 000 households, particularly in high density suburbs and newly developed settlements often referred to as “dark cities”.
The Government has prioritised last mile connections, transformer installations and network expansion to ensure universal access to electricity by 2030, in line with Vision 2030.
Cde Mujeyi said the electrification drive would also unlock broader development in Cowdray Park.
“Our vision is to transform Cowdray Park into one of the most beautiful suburbs. Through programmes such as Kwami ngo Kwami for title deeds, residents contribute a small fee that helps generate revenue for infrastructure development, including roads, drainage, water and sewer systems,” he said.
Residents welcomed the intervention, saying it brings long awaited relief to a community that has struggled to self fund basic services.
Mr Methembe Matutu said the programme was particularly significant as it does not require residents to contribute financially.
“We are grateful because the legislator has promised to buy the cables and all the required materials. Many of us are tired of doing everything on our own, while only a few with money manage to connect electricity,” he said.
Ms Hazel Tshuma said her household has lived without electricity since 2005, with several resident led initiatives failing due to lack of funds.
“People would opt out because they simply could not afford it. This gives us renewed hope,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Fainos Hara, commended the move, saying the community finally feels recognised after years of neglect.
“We feel remembered at last. Electricity will improve our lives, but we also hope other services like sewer reticulation will follow,” he said.
