A 160-kilowatt solar system has been installed in the Tongogara Soti Source area of Gutu by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The development is expected to enhance education, health care, business operations, and government service delivery in the community.
Tongogara Soti Source is now among the latest rural communities to benefit from the Government’s Rural Electrification Programme.
Teachers and pupils at Tongogara Primary and Soti Source Secondary Schools commended the Government for bringing power to their area.
“I am very happy with the provision of electricity at our school, as there isn’t much difference now with those working in towns,” a teacher said.
“We are very grateful to the government for the provision of electricity as we are now able to learn computers and study at night,” one of the students noted.
The electrification model has been described as crucial in improving health care and facilitating viable conditions for businesses.
“I am happy with the arrival of electricity here at the hospital as we were all able to be helped easily, especially when there were emergency cases that needed oxygen,” one of the patients expressed.
“We are now able to work until late at night, and we are also going to sell cold drinks and fresh meat, making our business grow.” a community business owner said.
REA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Felistar Makumbinde, said the target is to electrify all rural areas by 2030.
“By the time we reach 2030, all the rural areas will have been electrified with one form of energy or another. Currently, as REA, we are building free biogas digesters for anyone who owns a herd of cattle,” she noted.
The Government reiterated that providing energy in rural areas is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The installation of electricity in the villages will bring benefits to residents according to the government’s Vision 2030,” Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said.
“The provision of solar energy is going to benefit this community; hence, people must not vandalise the infrastructure,” Senator and Minister of State for National Security, Honourable Lovemore Matuke added.
“Electricity will no doubt lead to rural transformation and development. As a government, we will continue to promote rural areas so that residents can use this electricity well,” Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo said.
The electrification of rural areas is in line with the government’s vision to attain an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
