Story by Wadzanai Mandima
A 120-kilowatt solar mini-grid system has been commissioned in the Dete community of Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province, under a partnership between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project forms part of Government’s nationwide rural electrification programme aimed at improving access to sustainable energy and accelerating rural industrialisation.
The mini-grid has connected a business centre, two schools, a clinic, 26 households, five churches and two community boreholes to electricity, bringing renewed optimism to the community.
Residents say the development is already transforming livelihoods and improving access to essential services.
“I am happy with the coming of electricity to our community because our garden is now viable,” a community member said.
A beneficiary at the local clinic said access to electricity has improved healthcare delivery.
“Our clinic now has electricity, which means patients can receive treatment even at night without challenges,” the beneficiary said.
Teachers in the area also welcomed the development, saying it will improve working conditions and help retain skilled staff in rural communities.
“As a teacher, I no longer wish to transfer because we now have electricity, and I can also further my education,” one teacher said.
Business operators said the electrification of the business centre is expected to stimulate economic activity and improve service delivery.
“The coming of electricity to our business centre is a welcome development because we can now operate our businesses without power challenges,” a villager noted.
REA Board Member Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo said the agency remains committed to ensuring rural communities gain access to modern energy solutions in line with Vision 2030.
“As REA, we are working towards achieving the Vision 2030 target whereby all rural areas will have access to one form of energy or another,” she said.
UNDP representative Ms Tafadzwa Muvingi described energy as a key driver of development and urged the community to safeguard the infrastructure.
“Energy is the backbone of development, therefore I urge this community to protect the solar plant and utilise it productively,” she said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said the project reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“This electrification project in Dete is testimony to the Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
Energy and Power Development Minister Honourable July Moyo challenged residents to maximise the benefits of the project while guarding against vandalism.
“Now that you have power in this area, learners must excel and businesses must grow. I urge the community to protect this infrastructure from theft and vandalism,” he said.
The rural electrification initiative is expected to enhance economic activity, improve access to social services and contribute towards the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
