Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
UMGUZA District in Matabeleland North Province is becoming a leader in rural energy transformation, making notable strides in grid electrification, solar energy deployment, and biogas development as the Second Republic advances its goal of universal modern energy access.
Recent statistics from the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) indicate that from January 1 to June 12 of this year, 139 institutions and development centers in uMguza have been electrified, leaving only 15 awaiting connection and one project currently in progress.
These institutions include schools, clinics, Government extension offices, business centers, villages, small-scale farms, and chieftainships. The education sector is among the biggest beneficiaries.
REF has electrified 44 primary schools and 14 secondary schools across the district, providing power for lighting, information communication technologies, laboratory equipment and improved learning environments.
Among the schools connected to the grid are Nyamandlovu Primary, Sigonde Primary, Maxim Hill Primary, Muntu Primary, Fairbridge Primary and Ngazini Primary School.
Secondary schools benefiting from electrification include David Livingstone, George Silundika, Nyamandlovu Secondary School, St James Secondary School and Sigonde Secondary School.
The developments form part of Government’s broader strategy to improve access to electricity in rural communities, enhance service delivery and stimulate economic activity in line with Vision 2030.
The district’s latest electrification profile illustrates the substantial progress made over the years through REF interventions.
The health sector has also seen major improvements, with eight rural health centres and clinics electrified to date, including Nyamandlovu Clinic, Mbembesi Clinic, Insuza Clinic and Mfanyana Clinic.
Reliable electricity has enhanced the storage of medicines and vaccines, improved emergency response capabilities and enabled the use of modern medical equipment.
Speaking during the commissioning of an eight-kilometre Rural Electrification Agency (REA) power line constructed for ZIG3 million at Majindane Primary School in Nyamandlovu last Saturday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said while he expressed gratitude to REA for its equitable provision of energy infrastructure in the formally marginalised communities, he implored the agency to ‘spread its wings to all remote parts” of the province.
“Matabeleland North is a vast province with economic and community empowerment activities such as cattle ranching and tourism. Farmers and tourist facility operators need electricity to increase productivity, improve their way of living and contribute meaningfully to the development of our great nation,” he said.
Minister Moyo also implored political leaders to put effort in resourcing state entities to enable them to carry out their activities in efforts to bring “prosperity and happiness to our people.
Traditional leadership institutions have not been left behind, with the chieftainships of Deli, Ndiweni and Ndondo, all enjoying access to electricity.
Government extension offices, business centres and small-scale farming enterprises have similarly benefited from the programme.
Beyond conventional grid expansion, uMguza has become an important centre for renewable energy deployment.
REF statistics also show that the district has received a combination of solar micro-grid systems and mobile solar units, enabling institutions in remote areas to access electricity without waiting for costly grid infrastructure.
Solar-powered facilities in the district include Hlabathi Primary School, which is served through a solar micro-grid system, while mobile solar units have been deployed at institutions such as Mnondu Primary School, Mathabiswana Primary School, Green Gables High School, Muntu Farm Agritex, Edwaleni Agritex, Insuza Agritex and Madawu ZRP.
The installations are helping bridge the energy access gap in remote communities while supporting educational, agricultural and public service delivery programmes.
At provincial level, Matabeleland North had recorded 139 solar installations by June 12, comprising 84 solar micro-grid systems and 55 mobile solar units, highlighting the growing importance of renewable energy in rural development.
Acting REA board chairperson Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo said the agency had remained focused on its mandate since its establishment in 2003.
“The provision of modern and sustainable energy is a game changer to the way of life of the benefiting community. The benefits of electricity are far-reaching for the business community, school-going children and both teachers and members of the school development community. Just switching on the plug makes all the difference,” she said.
The district is also making strides in biogas technology, which is increasingly being promoted as a clean and sustainable source of energy for institutions and households.
REF data shows that the province has 19 institutional biogas plants, making it one of the leading districts in Matabeleland North in the adoption of the technology.
The biogas initiative aligns with national efforts to combat deforestation, improve environmental sustainability and enhance rural livelihoods through the adoption of cleaner energy technologies.
