Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has connected approximately 1 265 public institutions across Mashonaland East Province to electricity, as the agency continues to implement projects that are transforming people’s livelihoods.
Of these institutions, about 610 are primary schools, 401 are secondary schools, and 254 are rural health centres. All are located in rural areas of the province.
This was revealed by REA Provincial Manager for Mashonaland East, Mr Louis Munenge, during an interview on the sidelines of an REA projects commissioning ceremony in Hwedza district recently.
Mr Munenge said the agency aims to connect all public institutions to power by 2027.
“Currently, our electrification programme across the province is progressing well, and we are now at 95 percent completion in terms of the electrification programme,” he said.
“We intend to complete the electrification project on all public institutions by 2027 through grid and solar. We will work around the clock to ensure this target is achieved so that people can benefit.”
He said that besides electrifying schools and clinics, REA is also connecting power to chiefs’ homes.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, said the projects being carried out by REA advance Zimbabwe’s target of achieving Universal Access to Modern Energy Services.
“In alignment with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), these projects advance our national target of achieving Universal Access to Modern Energy Services by 2030, prioritising schools and clinics in rural communities,” he said.
“Furthermore, I am particularly pleased to note that these projects were implemented using a local employment model. Able-bodied residents from the surrounding communities were engaged in the installation of the electricity-supplying infrastructure. This approach not only ensured project ownership but also stimulated local economic activity, reinforcing our Government’s commitment to inclusive development.”
Advocate Ndudzo commended REA for working around the clock to ensure the projects’ success.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Rural Electrification Agency, its engineers, technicians, and general workers whose dedication and technical excellence have made the projects a reality,” he said.
“As we illuminate these institutions, we are switching on opportunity, hope, and a brighter future for our children and generations to come. This is the essence of rural transformation — bringing light where there was darkness, and possibility where there was limitation.”
The latest REA projects in Mashonaland East saw the electrification of Chikombo, Chizungu, and Bolton Jena Primary Schools, as well as Bolton Jena Secondary School in Hwedza district. The projects were commissioned by Advocate Ndudzo, who highlighted the critical role access to electricity will play in these institutions.
“Today, we celebrate not merely the installation of power lines and classroom lighting, but the dawn of enhanced educational standards and expanded opportunities for our children,” he said.
“This milestone is a direct testament to the visionary and transformative development agenda championed by President Mnangagwa. Under his able leadership, the mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’ has transitioned from aspiration to tangible reality. His unwavering commitment to rural industrialisation and universal energy access continues to reshape the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans across every corner of our great nation.”
Advocate Ndudzo said the primary objective of the initiative is to provide access to grid energy for educational institutions, thereby enhancing the quality of learning and teaching environments. He added that the target population benefiting from the just-commissioned project stands at 6,450 people.
In her remarks, Councillor Sheila Mugabe, council chairperson for Hwedza Rural District Council, commended the Government for the developments.
“This is a welcome development, and we are happy that our children will have better learning conditions. We want to thank President Mnangagwa and the Government for this initiative,” she said.
The availability of electricity is expected to unlock economic potential in the province, enabling small and medium enterprises to thrive, improving access to essential services, and creating employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women.
Source: REA electrifies more than 1 200 public institutions in Mash East – herald
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