Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
THE Government’s ongoing rural electrification programme continues to transform lives in Matabeleland North Province, with several schools, business facilities, and community centres in Bubi District now fully connected to the national power grid.
Implemented through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the initiative valued at over US$73 000 has brought electricity to Battlefields Primary and Secondary Schools, Battlefields Business Centre, as well as local government offices, including the AREX and District Development Coordinator’s (DDC) offices.
REA Provincial Engineer for Matabeleland North, Engineer Vincent Sunday, said the project commenced on 26 September 2024 and was energised less than a month later, on 24 October 2024.
“Those who benefitted are Battlefields Primary and Secondary Schools and Battlefields Business Centre. From the business centre, we electrified seven shops and one grinding mill; we also electrified one Arex office and one DDC office. This project commenced on September 26 last, and it was energised on October 24, 2024,” he said.
For local residents, the development has brought renewed optimism.
“When we see development like this, we marvel and can only be grateful to the government and our President. This will go a long way in changing our lives and those of our children.
“I want to thank the President of this country and his government for ensuring we get electricity.”
The electrification of Bubi is expected to stimulate economic activity, improve education delivery, and enhance service provision in rural areas that had long been excluded from such infrastructure.
Local legislator Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda said the project had opened new opportunities for communities.
“Having electricity opens up many opportunities for our people, for those who want to do projects, for the children studying at schools, life becomes easy.
“This is the work of the Secondnd Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, no person or place will be left behind without electricity or development,” Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo said.
The scope of works done includes construction of transmission lines, and powering up the newly-installed equipment, among other works.
The latest development in Bubi follows previous successful electrification projects in Tsholotsho, Umguza, and other districts, all part of the government’s broader mission to uplift livelihoods across the country.
