Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
MORE than 1 000 houses in Mama MaFuyana suburb in Maphisa are set to be electrified after the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) completed a major reticulation project, ending nearly two decades without electricity for the community.
The project saw the first household connected last week, bringing relief to residents who have lived without power since 2007.
The development comes as Maphisa prepares to host the country’s 46th Independence Day celebrations next month, with several infrastructure projects underway across the district.
Mama MaFuyana suburb is named after the late Johanna “MaFuyana” Nkomo, wife of the late liberation icon and former Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
The suburb, which comprises medium and high-density housing, has faced development challenges over the years, with residents going without electricity for nearly 20 years.
The first connection was made at the home of Mr Lindinkosi Mlilo, marking what residents described as a new chapter for the area.
Officials from Zesa Holdings attended the connection ceremony and encouraged residents to apply for electricity connections now that the infrastructure has been installed.
Zesa Holdings stakeholder relations confirmed the development and provided details of the scope of work undertaken.
“The Mama MaFuyana Suburb Reticulation Project at Maphisa started in September 2025 and has the potential to electrify 1 000 houses. The scope of the project included construction of 4,9km of 11kV overhead lines and 9,4km of medium-voltage lines,” Zesa said.
“On the 6th of March 2026, we managed to connect the first client, Lindinkosi Mlilo. ZETDC funded the reticulation in full. We had a meeting with residents on the same day, advising them that we are now ready to connect them and encouraging them to apply for connections. Mama MaFuyana comprises both medium and high-density houses. We want to congratulate Mr Mlilo on getting his house connected today.”
The electrification initiative forms part of ZETDC’s broader strategy under the National Development Strategy 2, which targets 320 000 new electricity connections annually as the country works towards universal energy access by 2030.
To accelerate progress, the power utility is also exploring partnerships with the private sector to expand the grid and develop alternative energy solutions in rural communities.
The electrification project coincides with preparations for the country’s Independence Day, which will this year be hosted in Matobo District as part of Government’s policy of rotating national events across provinces.
Last year’s 45th Independence celebrations were held at Mutora Business Centre in Gokwe, where several legacy projects were implemented, including the construction of hostels at Nyamuroro High School, a football stadium, upgraded roads and borehole drilling.
Ahead of next month’s celebrations, Maphisa — recently elevated to Town Board status — is undergoing rapid development.
Works are underway to upgrade the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, with engineers conducting crack sealing and pothole patching before laying asphalt concrete to improve the surface.
