Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Beitbridge
ENERGY and Power Development Minister July Moyo says Matabeleland South is leading the country in rural electrification, with 90 percent of public institutions now connected to electricity, underscoring Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Speaking at the commissioning of the 120-kilowatt Tshitulipasi Community Mini Grid Solar Project in Beitbridge today (Thursday) Minister Moyo said electrification of schools and other public institutions remained a priority under the Second Republic’s drive to leave no one and no place behind.
“We have built many schools here in Beitbridge but they are not good if they are not electrified,” said Minister Moyo.
“Matabeleland South is number one in terms of electrification at 90 percent, we want that to continue.”
His remarks come as the Government continues rolling out renewable energy projects in rural communities to improve access to electricity and stimulate economic growth.
Earlier, Acting Rural Electrification Agency (REA) chief executive officer Mrs Felister Makumbinde said the national average for rural electrification now stood at 84 percent, indicating Matabeleland South’s position as the leading province.
Minister Moyo said access to electricity should unlock broader development opportunities, particularly in education and digital inclusion.
“Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has dedicated itself to say wherever, Minister, you are going, we will donate computers to schools.
“Electricity must open up to many other opportunities to ensure that children are not left behind.
“ZERA is bringing computers to children because there is electricity so that they enter into the digital world.”
He also directed the REA to urgently attend to infrastructure needs at Cituripasi Secondary School.
“The headmaster (for Cituripasi Secondary School) asked for the electrification of girls’ dormitories, so REA will work on it immediately.”
Minister Moyo said reliable electricity supplies were helping position Beitbridge as an attractive investment destination.
“There is huge investment in Beitbridge on energy, there is a company called Prestige that was declared a Special Economic Zone, one of the first in the rural areas.
“This is because there is electricity here in Beitbridge, so energy is an enabler for development,” he said.
He urged communities to establish village business units and productive enterprises.
“These units will keep the youths out of drugs and substance abuse and turn Beitbridge into a surplus of agricultural produce.”
