UMGUZA district is emerging as a leader in Zimbabwe’s rural green energy transition, with solar power and biogas technologies increasingly complementing conventional electrification efforts to transform livelihoods in remote communities.
This emerged during the commissioning of an eight-kilometre Rural Electrification Agency (REA) power line constructed at a cost of ZiG3 million for Majindani Primary School in Nyamandlovu recently.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo said expanding access to electricity was critical to unlocking the province’s economic potential.
“Matabeleland North is a vast province with economic and community empowerment activities such as cattle ranching and tourism,” Moyo said.
“Farmers and tourist facility operators need electricity to increase productivity, improve their way of living and contribute meaningfully to the development of our great nation.”
Recent statistics from the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) show that between January and June this year, at least 139 institutions and development centres in Umguza were electrified, leaving only 15 awaiting connection and one project under implementation.
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The institutions include schools, clinics, government extension offices, business centres, villages, small-scale farms and traditional leadership establishments.
Solar-powered facilities such as Hlabathi Primary School and several Agritex centres have also benefited from solar micro-grids and mobile solar units, enabling remote communities to access electricity without waiting for costly grid infrastructure.
REA acting board chairperson Cecilia Chitiyo said modern and sustainable energy was transforming rural communities.
“The provision of modern and sustainable energy is a game-changer to the way of life of the benefiting community,” she said.
“Just switching on the plug makes all the difference.”
The district is also making strides in biogas technology, which supports national efforts to reduce deforestation and promote cleaner, environmentally-sustainable energy solutions.