Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
SIX public institutions and a traditional leader’s homestead in Shurugwi North have been connected to the national electricity grid following a US$200 000 investment by the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), in a significant boost to the Government’s rural industrialisation agenda.
The project, officially switched on last Friday by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, brings much-anticipated power to Magumise and Makonese Primary Schools, Takunda Secondary School, Zvarota Clinic, Zvarota
Business Centre and Chief Nhema’s homestead, marking a substantial stride in community development.
The Government’s broader goal is to ensure the widespread rollout of electrification across rural communities, in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the national rural industrialisation strategy.
With REF aiming to connect 35 000 villages to the national grid by 2030, communities like Shurugwi North are poised to benefit from increased economic activity and improved living standards.
Addressing villagers, educators, pupils, and healthcare professionals during the lighting-up ceremony, Minister Moyo said the initiative is expected to create employment, boost productivity and promote inclusive development.
“By establishing industries in rural areas, the Government seeks to generate household income, curb rural-to-urban migration, and increase the economic value of local resources through value-added processing and production.
“As a Government, our mission is to ensure that all rural schools are equipped with the necessary infrastructure so that there is no gap between them and urban centres.
“Now that electricity is available in schools, service delivery in the education sector will improve significantly. The establishment of science laboratories, once a distant dream, is now within reach,” he said.
Minister Moyo emphasised that the Government-led initiative aims to bridge the rural-urban divide, fostering growth and development.
“Our focus is to enhance rural livelihoods by creating an environment that stimulates economic growth,” he added. This approach, he noted, is designed to reduce urban migration, stimulate national economic growth, and uplift living standards in rural communities.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism that the electrification programme would play a pivotal role in the province’s development.
“This initiative by our President will help learners bridge the gap between rural and urban education. With access to computers and laboratories, learning will become more effective. On the business front, we expect significant growth,” he said.
REF Board Member Mr Fungai Mbetsa, highlighted that the rural industrialisation drive is expected to stimulate economic growth, improve livelihoods and reduce poverty. He noted that similar programmes are being implemented across the country.
“We aim to transform lives nationwide. So far, we’ve completed 10 000 similar projects and connected numerous households and business centres. By 2030, we intend to ensure all rural areas are connected to the national grid,” he said.
Chief Nhema praised the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s leadership for championing rural industrialisation and uplifting previously marginalised communities.
“What we are witnessing here is a remarkable development. Who would have thought our schools would have electricity? I thank the government for this great initiative,” he said.
Mr Stephen Nyadenga, a business owner at Zvarota Business Centre, welcomed the development, saying that access to electricity would enable small and medium enterprises to operate more efficiently and grow in number.
