adminFungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
MASHONALAND Central Province is lagging behind in benefiting from the rural electrification programme, says Rural Electrification Agency board member Mr Cosmas Chiringa. Mt Darwin tops the districts that are not reaping the benefits of rural electrification.
The district has 50 primary schools, 21 secondary schools and two health institutions that are still to be electrified. It is followed by Rushinga, Muzarabani, Guruve, Mbire, Shamva and Mazowe.
Speaking at Chief Nembire’s homestead recently, Mr Chiringa – who is also the provincial administrator – said it was sad that the province was failing to fully utilise and take advantage of the Government initiative to bring electricity closer to the people.
He urged Members of Parliament, schools development committees, provincial and district leadership to encourage communities to electrify public institutions and their homes.
“Other provinces have fully utilised the rural electrification programme and electrified their institutions and homes.
“Some are using the electricity for irrigation purposes. The mandate of REA is to bring electricity closer to the people and institutions,” said Mr Chiringa.
“Bringing electricity close to the people is the most expensive process and Government would have done its part. It is now up to schools and clinics to do internal tubing and benefit from the electricity.
“The project is for the socio-economic development of our communities and uplifting our standard of living. “Our province was not left behind in the programme and we expect people to fully utilise the programme.
“I urge community leaders to advise the communities to take the programme seriously. “Irrigation and agro-processing can also be successfully implemented through this programme for the benefit of the rural community and the country at large.”
The Government established the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) in 2002 to facilitate the provision of electricity to rural communities.
Online Reporter