Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE rural industrialisation agenda is gaining momentum, with the national electrification drive emerging as a key pillar in accelerating development across Zimbabwe’s communities.
A new economic pulse is now evident at Machakata Business Centre in Marondera following its recent connection to the national grid, ushering in tangible progress for the once underdeveloped area.
Villagers say access to electricity has drastically reduced the need to travel long distances for essential services such as welding and refrigeration.
“We used to travel long distances to get services such as welding, but we are happy that the services are now within our reach due to the availability of electricity. We are now able to sell our refrigerated products to the people,” community members said.
The availability of power has also improved productivity, with local entrepreneurs receiving support to acquire equipment. Orders for scotch-carts and other metal products are reportedly increasing, while refrigeration has enabled small businesses to diversify into beverages and perishable goods.
Beyond commerce, the electrification programme has transformed the education sector. At St Anna Mere Primary School in Marondera Ward 22, improved infrastructure and electricity have significantly enhanced the learning environment.
Ward 22 Councillor Chamunorwa Chikide said school enrolment has more than doubled following electrification.
“With infrastructure being upgraded, the school enrolment that was below 150 has now jumped to over 300 students. The learning environment has improved significantly,” he said.
The impact is equally evident in enterprise development. The Svosve Uniform Centre, a rural-based initiative, has empowered local women with professional dressmaking skills, enabling them to secure orders and improve their livelihoods.
“We are now professional dressmakers and able to fend for our families. Our standard of living has improved, and demand for our products continues to grow,” women entrepreneurs under the project said, adding that complementary ventures such as poultry production are strengthening self-sustenance in the community.
Marondera East legislator Vimbayi Mutokonyi said the electrification of business centres and schools aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations and the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2).
“As a nation, we have Vision 2030 powered by NDS Two. A lot of business centres and schools in Marondera East have been electrified. Three business centres and four schools were recently electrified. This is a promotion of rural development,” she said.
She added that the initiative is contributing to poverty and hunger eradication by creating workspaces for youths and women, while also stimulating local economic activity.
As electricity reaches more rural communities in Marondera East, the programme is not only lighting homes and institutions but also powering entrepreneurship, education and inclusive economic growth, signalling steady progress towards Zimbabwe’s goal of attaining upper middle-income status by 2030.
