VILLAGERS in rural Nzvimbe, under Makoni South Constituency, received a major boost on Thursday after Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo commissioned a solar mini-grid project.
The project, dubbed the Nzvimbe Mini Solar Grid, is expected to improve energy access in the remote area, one of Zimbabwe’s early resettlement communities.
The 153KW project, constructed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) at a cost of more than ZiG11 million, is powering two schools, a clinic, a business centre, churches, a police base, a NetOne base station, two community boreholes, and 63 village homesteads.
Addressing thousands of villagers at Nzvimbe Secondary School during the commissioning, Moyo said the rural electrification drive was progressing well across the country, with most rural institutions expected to be electrified by year-end.
"This solar mini-grid plant brings clean, reliable and affordable energy solutions to key institutions and village homesteads that serve as the backbone of social development in this formerly marginalised community,” he said.
Moyo said learners at Nzvimbe primary and secondary schools would now study under improved conditions, with access to digital tools and lighting beyond daylight hours.
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According to REA, about 120 primary and 34 secondary schools have already been electrified in Makoni District.
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza said the project had restored hope in marginalised communities.
“This solar mini-grid project represents more than infrastructure development; it signifies hope, progress, employment creation, investment attraction and improved service delivery,” he said.
Makoni South MP Albert Nyakuedzwa hailed the development as a turning point for Nzvimbe, praising REA for lighting up rural communities.
REA acting chief executive officer Fellistas Makumbinde said the agency was on track to meet its 2026 targets under its “leave no one and no place behind” electrification programme.
She said the agency was prioritising schools and clinics, with nationwide projects in full swing.
“We are focusing on schools and clinics, which we aim to complete by the end of the year, and work in all provinces is progressing well,” she said.
REA has electrified nearly 11 000 schools and clinics in rural areas since its establishment in 2002.
About 2 400 institutions remain, with completion targeted by year-end.
The electrification programme has improved access to information and communication technologies in rural schools, benefiting thousands of learners and easing working conditions for teachers.