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REF rolls out solar mini grid project

Local News
REF spokesperson Johannes Nyamayedenga confirmed the development yesterday.

BY SHARON SIBINDI

THE Rural Electrification Fund (REF) has embarked on a multi-million-dollar solar mini-grid system to electrify public institutions and a village in the Bemba area of Matabeleland North province.

REF spokesperson Johannes Nyamayedenga confirmed the development yesterday.

“We are working on a multi-million-dollar solar project to provide electricity to the Bemba community,” he said.

“The 59,4 kilowatt mini-grid solar system will supply electricity to Bemba clinic, the business centre, a primary school and Bemba village.”

Nyamayedenga said REF had so far completed building of the low voltage lines that transmit electricity to public institutions and households in the area since the project started.

“We are now busy constructing the control room and mounting panels and we are certain to complete the project before the end of the year. This will be followed by service connections to households and public institutions,’’ he added.

Nyamayedenga said the project would be replicated in other parts of the country.

“These include Soti Source in Gutu, Gandavaroyi in Gokwe, Chiwore in Mutoko, Dete in Hurungwe and Chitulipasi in Beitbridge. All the mini-grid solar systems are constructed at a cost of $682,4 million,” he said.

According to Nyamayedenga, the projects fall under REF’s commitment to exploit renewable energy technologies and ensure access to modern energy services to all rural areas by 2030.

“With government working on various developmental initiatives in rural Zimbabwe, communities will be expected to switch on to conventional grid electricity once the network reaches their areas and then start economic activities which cannot be done with solar energy.”

Since the formation of REF in 2002, almost 10 000 public institutions that include schools, rural health centres, business centres, farms and irrigation schemes have been electrified.

Follow Sharon on Twitter @SibindiSharon