Midlands lights up 55 000 households

Source: Midlands lights up 55 000 households – herald

Patrick Chitumba

Zimpapers Writer

MORE than 50 000 households in the Midlands Province have been connected to the national grid over the past five years, powering homes, schools, clinics and businesses, a major Government stride towards bridging the urban-rural development divide.

The massive electrification drive, which has seen about 55 000 households linked to the grid, is a cornerstone of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, which prioritises universal access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy as a catalyst for economic growth, social transformation and industrialisation.

For decades, most rural communities across the country lagged behind urban centres in access to electricity, constraining opportunities in education, health service delivery, and agro-processing.

Expanded access to power is now unlocking new livelihood opportunities and improving the quality of life for thousands of citizens.

Midlands provincial director for economic affairs and investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Kosheni Mtisi, said the Second Republic had deliberately prioritised electrification to ensure inclusive development.

“The Second Republic has provided an enabling environment for individuals, schools, churches and private players to electrify their premises in line with Vision 2030. The Second Republic is saying no one and no place should be left behind in electrification,” he said.

Mr Mtisi said the Government-funded electrification programmes typically cover the full installation of electricity infrastructure, including poles and grid connections, up to school premises, easing the burden on communities.

He said that under NDS1, more than 800 kilometres of power transmission and distribution lines were constructed across the province, while off-grid solutions were rolled out to complement conventional supply.

Through the Rural Electrification Fund, solar micro-grid systems were installed at health institutions such as Donsa, Malisa and Nyamhunga clinics, as well as Musilahove Primary and Secondary School.

“In Kwekwe, a 15kW, 220V AC output solar plant and a 1,77-kilometre single-phase wire network supplying Umelusi Primary and Secondary schools were completed at a cost of US$347 368,” he said.

Mr Mtisi said about 300 primary health facilities across the province were solarised through the installation of solar systems, improving service delivery and ensuring continuity of care during power outages.

In addition, more than 50 biogas digesters were constructed throughout the Midlands, providing an alternative and sustainable energy source, while reducing reliance on the national grid.

The electrification programme has also gone hand-in-hand with investments in education infrastructure. Mr Mtisi said 117 schools were renovated, expanded or newly established during the same period to improve access to quality education.

“These include modern schools such as Neta in Mberengwa, Budiriro Primary School, Nyamuroro in Gokwe North, Chana B and Shabani Mine Primary School and Somabhula Secondary School,” he said.

A total of 330 classroom blocks were constructed at schools across the province, including Zvikombe Primary in Gweru, Mtora Primary in Gokwe North, Riverside Primary in Kwekwe and Machingwe Secondary in Mberengwa.

In line with the Education 5.0 policy, Midlands State University (MSU) established key innovation and research facilities, including Innovation Hubs, the National Pathology Research Centre, the University Language Centre, an Industrial Park, a Herbal Pharmaceutical Plant and a new Main Library in Gweru.

“The Emmerson Mnangagwa Law School was commissioned by His Excellency, the President Dr ED Mnangagwa, while 500 teachers’ houses across the Province were constructed,” said Mr Mtisi.

Youth development has also been prioritised, with the reopening of Dadaya Youth Service Centre, which has recruited more than 500 youths.

Mr Mtisi said 95 380 youths were trained in vocational and entrepreneurial skills under the Vocational and Enterprise Skills Development Programme, while about 30 youth focal desks were established to enhance youth participation in economic and cultural activities.

He added that more than 50 intangible cultural heritage elements – including traditional salt purification, fire creation methods and totemic practices – were documented, while increased participation in sport and recreation was driven by workplace health and fitness programmes.

On social protection, Mr Mtisi said drug and substance abuse awareness, prevention and management programmes reached over 46 000 people across the province, with all identified cases receiving treatment and rehabilitation support.