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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]

The Government’s Rural Electrification Programme continues to transform communities across the Midlands Province, with Gatawa Clinic in Lower Gweru being the latest beneficiary of this initiative. This development is part of the Second Republic’s broader rural industrialisation agenda, aimed at improving the quality of life and enhancing healthcare services in rural areas.

Gatawa Clinic’s electrification is one of the many successes of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), which has so far connected over 956 institutions in the Midlands, including schools, clinics, and traditional leaders’ homesteads. The programme is seen as a key driver of rural development, providing opportunities for economic growth and better access to essential services like healthcare.

Speaking during the recent commissioning of Gatawa Clinic’s electrification programme, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube highlighted the importance of the rural electrification programme in advancing the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and President Mnangagwa’s vision for rural industrialisation. “The Second Republic’s rural electrification programme continues to transform communities. Gatawa Clinic is the latest institution to benefit from this initiative, which is a catalyst for rural industrialisation,” said Minister Ncube.

“These are part of the works of President Mnangagwa, and we are here in Lower Gweru where the President has sent me to witness this development.”

Minister Ncube emphasised the significance of providing electricity to rural communities, not only to improve healthcare but also to drive economic activities and enhance the overall quality of life.

“Electrification is crucial for rural development, as it enables better healthcare services, increases economic activity, and enhances overall quality of life,” he stated, adding that the Government’s efforts align with global initiatives promoting rural electrification as part of sustainable development goals. “Today’s occasion is another milestone achievement by the Second Republic, under the able leadership of our visionary leader, as we pursue to achieve rural industrialisation earlier than 2030.”

Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga

The Rural Electrification Fund’s public relations executive, Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga, outlined the broader scope of the programme, which includes grid electricity projects, biogas, and institutional solar initiatives. “We are currently implementing grid electricity projects, biogas, and institutional solar programmes across rural communities. Now we have just launched a solar home programme which targets all stakeholders without electricity,” he said.

Mr Nyamayedenga noted that REF is also launching a solar home programme aimed at households without electricity, with an ambitious goal of reaching 1,8 million homes by 2030. “We are spearheading this project through school children and Parliament to raise awareness about how the community can access the facility. Everyone is capable of getting the solar system depending on their scheme,” he explained.

The clinic’s sister-in-charge, Ms Muchazondida Mapomba, expressed her optimism about the improvements to come, particularly in the storage of vaccines and other critical health services. “We did not have a conducive facility to keep vaccines at the required temperatures. We had been relying on gas, which is expensive and unreliable. Now, with electricity, we expect to significantly improve our services,” she said.

Community members have also welcomed the development, with Mr Emson Zenande Musoni praising the Government for addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. “On behalf of the Gatawa community, I want to thank our President Mnangagwa for always remembering us. This has elevated our community, and we hope services will improve, especially for expecting mothers who previously had to give birth under the light of candles,” he stated.