George Maponga in GUTUTHE Second Republic is set to intensify the rural electrification programme, a crucial element of the Government’s rural industrialisation drive aimed at transformative development in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income society.Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to connect electricity to more rural areas to spur transformation, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.Minister Moyo disclosed this at the Soti-Source resettlement area in Gutu, where he commissioned a 160-kilowatt solar power project financed by the Government through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).The project connects power to Soti-Source Business Centre, clinic and nearby schools.After the commissioning ceremony, Minister Moyo highlighted the project as a demonstration of President Mnangagwa’s commitment to industrialisation in rural areas.He emphasised that access to power was essential for socio-economic development, dovetailing with the objectives of Vision 2030.“The Second Republic launched the Presidential Solarisation programme to ensure that every homestead in rural areas has electricity,” he said.“The Government has also initiated the development of school business units to place educational institutions at the heart of rural development.“This programme is a cornerstone of our rural transformation initiative.”Minister Moyo pointed out that development in rural areas is powered by electrification, which drives transformative changes that resonate with Vision 2030.“We are committed to leaving no one and no place behind, and this solar power project exemplifies that commitment,” he said.Rural businesspeople were urged to take advantage of the electrification efforts to explore opportunities in projects like welding, which require a reliable power supply.Minister Moyo said electricity is a key driver of development in rural areas.“I encourage entrepreneurs to leverage the ongoing rural electrification programme to stimulate the growth of the rural economy,” he said.He also announced that President Mnangagwa will join world leaders at the United Nations in New York later this year to reaffirm his Government’s commitment to ensuring every household has access to electricity by 2030.Minister Moyo called on schools and clinics to use the rural electrification drive to boost educational outcomes and improve the storage conditions for medicines through the availability of electricity.“Access to power will enhance the pass rates in schools and ensure that essential medicines are stored properly,” he noted.The ministry plans to prioritise the electrification of more schools and clinics in rural areas through the Rural Electrification Fund.Minister Moyo warned against theft and vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, stating that security measures have been enhanced.Communities were urged to remain vigilant in protecting vital facilities like solar power plants.Minister Moyo also revealed that he was involved in planning the Soti-Source resettlement area soon after independence in 1980, challenging local communities to make effective use of the solar project inaugurated by Government.Deputy Energy Minister Yeukai Simbanegavi called for similar power projects at Mbirikira and Chitepo in the Soti-Source area to enhance health delivery and improve school performance through access to computers and the internet.Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, praised President Mnangagwa’s administration for prioritising rural development.He noted that such initiatives align well with the province’s development agenda.Minister Chadzamira pointed out that the Second Republic has created conducive conditions for investment in more power projects across Masvingo. A 5 MW mini-hydro power plant developed by Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Company at Lake Mutirikwi is already feeding power into the grid after its completion earlier this year.“We also have another hydro power project at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam under development, which will have a capacity of 17MW.“These projects are being developed by the Second Republic and will help boost our provincial GDP as we aim for a US$8 billion economy in Masvingo by 2030,” he said.Gutu Senator Lovemore Matuke, who is also the Minister of State for National Security, commended the Government for expanding clean energy initiatives in rural areas, stating that such projects have the potential to accelerate rural economic growth.REF board member Engineer Ndomupei Chikonye said rural electrification will continue to expand, ensuring more people in rural areas gain access to electricity.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed. Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage. Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews.com . Source: Herald
Image from Solar surge Gutusnew power project sparks rural growth 