Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GUTU – THE Soti Source community in Gutu is set to benefit from a 160-kilowatt mini-grid solar project being implemented by government through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
The solar project is expected to provide electricity to key institutions including Tongogara Primary School, Soti Source Primary and Secondary Schools, Soti Source Clinic, the local business centre, churches, and various government offices.
Members of the community expressed gratitude for the development, citing long-awaited access to power as a major step toward socio-economic transformation.
“We have lived here since 1981, and we are thankful to the Second Republic for prioritising development in this resettlement area. Through this project, our schools, clinic, and business centre will finally be electrified. Key services will now be more accessible and efficient,” one community member said.
Another resident noted that the availability of electricity would enhance rural industrialisation.
“With electricity, we can now undertake projects like welding, carpentry, and small-scale irrigation. Our lifestyle will significantly improve, and science subjects and ICT learning will become possible at our schools.”
According to the Provincial Manager for REF, Engineer Emmanuel Masendu, the project is almost complete.
“The project is now 95 percent complete, and we expect to finalise all remaining work by the end of this month. The community should begin to benefit from the solar power starting next month,” he confirmed.
Special Advisor to the President responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Projects, Cde Joram Gumbo visited the project site this Wednesday and applauded the initiative as part of government’s broader rural electrification thrust.
“We are pleased with the progress made here in Soti Source. This project is a significant milestone in ensuring access to clean energy, in line with government’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind as we work towards Vision 2030.”
The government is implementing a range of initiatives aimed at expanding energy access across the country, including the rollout of solar mini-grids, expansion of hydroelectric power capacity, and upgrading existing thermal power stations.
These efforts are part of the government’s broader strategy to promote inclusive development, rural industrialisation, and sustainable access to energy.
