Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
OVER 40 homesteads, public institutions, and community boreholes in Beitbridge’s area of Tshitulipasi now have access to electricity following the completion of a 120-kilowatt solar grid project by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), significantly boosting rural electrification efforts.
This development marks a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to transform rural communities and improve the quality of life for residents. The solar grid is expected to stimulate economic growth, enhance service delivery in education and healthcare, and strengthen food security through irrigation.
The initiative aligns with the National Energy Policy (NEP), launched in October 2012.
The project has breathed new life into a community whose dream of accessing electricity had remained elusive for over three decades.
Villagers have expressed their gratitude to the Government and REA for bringing power to their area.
“This is a welcome development for us. We expect improved service delivery in the education sector, and small to medium enterprises will now be able to operate and grow.
“From a business perspective, this solar grid is expected to drive economic growth. We’re planning to use the electricity for small-scale industries and horticulture.
“You can see, the area is now lit up. Some, like myself, have opened butcheries and others can now store perishables in fridges,” said local businessman Mr Robert Hlongwane, who also chairs the solar project.
The Tshitulipasi project is also contributing to sustainable development by reducing deforestation for firewood and promoting solar-powered water abstraction and irrigation.
Village head, Mr Samson Musuthu Moyo said the electrification of the local primary school is particularly significant for women and girls.
“With the school now connected to electricity, girls have the opportunity to learn computer-related subjects and gain essential skills,” he said.
He said that the electrification of the school, police station, Government sub-office, and homesteads would gradually contribute to the broader vision of rural transformation. Villagers now have the opportunity to pursue income-generating projects that require electricity.
The traditional leader also noted that the community has committed to safeguarding the solar mini-grid against vandalism and theft.
“We are grateful that we no longer have to queue at communal boreholes for water. We now have access to clean water through a centrally located piped water project powered by solar energy,” said Mrs Witness Mapula, a local villager.
Senior citizen, Mr Rambani Ncube said the completion of the solar grid project is a testament to the Government’s commitment to improving rural livelihoods.
“It’s encouraging that our local clinic now has solar-powered electricity, allowing medical staff to attend to emergencies at night. The days of using candlelight at the clinic and in our homes are over.
“We commend REA for completing this project on time,” he said.
New mother, Mrs Tendai Gwenzi said maternal health services had significantly improved since the clinic was electrified.
“Medical staff can now store vaccines and medication in refrigerators, unlike before, when we had no electricity,” she said.
Tshitulipasi Primary School Headmaster Mr Respect Muleya, said the availability of electricity has enabled the school to establish a computer lab and introduce e-learning.
Morale among learners and teachers has improved, and staff retention has stabilised. Previously, some teachers had requested transfers to schools with electricity due to the lack of facilities.
“I have a passion for learning about computers, and I’m happy we now have computer classes after our school was connected to electricity,” said a pupil.
As Zimbabwe continues to pursue its development goals, initiatives like the Tshitulipasi solar grid project are playing a vital role in empowering communities and promoting sustainable development.
REA spokesperson, Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga, said the Agency remains committed to electrifying all previously marginalised communities by 2030.
“We are on course. As REA, we aim to ensure every village has access to electricity services in line with the President’s Vision 2030 of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
Since its inception in 2005, the parastatal has completed 182 public projects in Beitbridge.
As the nation works towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, projects like the Tshitulipasi Solar Plant are proving instrumental in bridging the rural-urban development divide.
