adminMashonaland West Bureau
The Rural Electrification Fund last year completed 29 projects benefiting 38 public institutions and six customer-driven projects in Mashonaland West. The projects were part of the 2018 plans where REF undertook to complete 22 projects.
These included both primary and secondary schools, farms, rural health centres and homesteads.
In an interview yesterday, REF spokesperson Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga said he was satisfied with progress the agency had made in Mashonaland West province.
“I am proud to tell you that the REF has made remarkable progress in the provision of energy in Mashonaland West province despite the harsh economic challenges facing the country,” he said.
“During the course of 2018, Mashonaland West province undertook and completed 22 projects at a cost of $605 379, 33 with Chegutu completing three projects, Hurungwe (seven), Makonde (two), Mhondoro Ngezi (three), Sanyati (two) and one in Zvimba.”
In Makonde, the REF extended the grid to Chitomborwizi, No. 50 and Kismet Farms.
In Zvimba, the REF completed Manjenjenje Government Sports and Business Centres, Kasanze Clinic, Mushambanyama and Madzivaenzou primary schools as well as Mavhudzi and Tawstock secondary schools.
“However, REF has to light up the projects soon after mounting transformers,” said Mr Nyamayedenga.
“The 3,8km Mutandagayi Group B scheme is progressing. Our line construction workers have completed bush clearance and are now digging holes and mounting poles.”
Rutara Village 7 in Chegutu District is under construction, among other REF projects including Westview College, Chitenderano and Muzavazi secondary schools and Sandringham Primary School.
The REF is also electrifying five schools in Mhondoro-Ngezi with much of the work having been completed.
“A few materials like a transformer for both Guzuzu Primary and Secondary schools is yet to be delivered to the project site. Other schools, namely Kapumha Primary and Secondary schools and Gora Primary School need transformers and other materials to complete them early,” he said.
REF is also working on electrifying seven projects in Hurungwe and all of these are almost complete while they are waiting for delivery of transformers.
“These are Kanyati Primary School, Dzimaihwe Secondary School, Chishumba Primary School, Mahwanda Primary and Secondary Schools, Chikova Secondary School and Chinhere Clinic,” he said.
Mr Nyamayedenga said the REF had also built a 50 cubic metre biogas digester at Sanyati Baptist High School which will be commissioned this year.
He said the REF was facing a number of challenges thereby stalling progress.
“Many companies who win tenders to supply materials are failing to acquire foreign currency to buy the materials,” he said.
Online Reporter