Matabeleland schools, clinics to benefit from electrification drive

Rural schools and health facilities across Matabeleland are among hundreds of institutions set to benefit from an intensified electrification programme by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which says it is fast-tracking projects to meet a government target of universal electrification of public institutions by the end of 2026. The agency has stepped up the rollout of power infrastructure across Matabeleland provinces, with multiple projects currently underway in schools and clinics as part of efforts to close the rural-urban service delivery gap. REA said several installations are at different stages of completion in Matabeleland North, while new sites have already been identified and are undergoing preparatory assessments ahead of construction.

REA public relations and marketing executive Johannes Nyamayedenga said priority is being given to education and health institutions in line with government’s broader development agenda. In Lupane District, four projects are currently under construction. “We have Lupane District where we have four projects which are ongoing.

They are under construction and we have Jengwe Primary School, Sagonda Primary and Secondary School, Makuni Primary School and Business Centre, and Zinakhi Primary School. These projects are being implemented,” said Nyamayedenga. He added that Hwange District was also seeing progress, with three schools included in the ongoing electrification works.

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“In Hwange we have three projects that are being implemented, which are Cheumba Primary School, Lupinyu Primary School and Bambamkhulu Secondary School,” he said. In Umguza District, Mangwabi Primary School and Heloka Primary School have been lined up for electrification. Beyond construction sites, REA said it is also carrying out preliminary work in several other areas, including wayleave clearance and technical surveys to pave the way for future installations.

“We also have schools which have been identified where we are doing surveys — wayleave clearance. In Lupane we have identified five schools, Nkayi one school, and Tsholotsho one school,” said Nyamayedenga. He added that in Tsholotsho, local authorities have already approved wayleave applications for six schools, clearing the way for imminent works to begin.

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