Maponongwe–Dzivarasekwa Electrification Project Switched On in Murehwa South
By Brenda Mazhambe
MUREHWA, June 17, 2026 – Government has taken another significant step towards rural transformation following the successful commissioning of the Maponongwe–Dzivarasekwa Electrification Project in Murehwa South, a development set to improve access to electricity for schools, healthcare facilities, business centres and surrounding communities.
The project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Government’s rural development agenda, was officially switched on at a ceremony held at Maponongwe Primary School.
The electrification programme connected nine key institutions, namely Maponongwe Primary School, Maponongwe Secondary School, Maponongwe Rural Health Centre, Maponongwe Business Centre, Dapandowe Primary School, Dapandowe Business Centre, Chiguri Primary School, Chiguri Business Centre and Dzivarasekwa Business Centre.
The project involved the construction of approximately 13.2 kilometres of 11kV high-voltage power line, 2.7 kilometres of low-tension line, and the installation of three 50kVA substations and one 100kVA substation, at a cumulative cost of US$244 467.89.
Speaking during the switch-on ceremony, REA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs F. Makumbinde, said the project reflects the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that rural communities have access to modern energy services that drive development and improve livelihoods.
“Today we gather to celebrate yet another milestone in Government’s quest to leave no place and no one behind. The commissioning of the Maponongwe–Dzivarasekwa Electrification Project is not merely about connecting institutions to electricity; it is about empowering communities, improving service delivery and creating opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development. Electricity remains a critical enabler of growth, innovation and productivity, and through projects such as this one, we are bringing development closer to our people,” said Mrs Makumbinde.
She said the electrification of schools, health institutions and business centres would have a transformative impact on the beneficiary communities.
“The institutions connected under this project are at the heart of community life. Our learners can now benefit from digital learning platforms and modern educational technologies, while teachers will have improved access to information and communication tools.
“At the same time, the electrification of Maponongwe Rural Health Centre will strengthen healthcare delivery through the reliable operation of medical equipment, preservation of vaccines and medicines, and improved patient care. This project therefore directly contributes to improving the quality of life of our people,” she said.
The electrification of business centres would unlock economic opportunities and support Government’s rural industrialisation agenda.
“Business centres serve as economic hubs within our communities. By providing reliable electricity to Maponongwe, Dapandowe, Chiguri and Dzivarasekwa business centres, we are creating an environment where entrepreneurs can establish and expand businesses, value addition activities can flourish, and employment opportunities can be generated. Access to electricity is a catalyst for rural industrialisation and economic empowerment, which are key pillars of Vision 2030,” said Mrs Makumbinde.
She commended Government for its continued support towards rural electrification programmes across the country.
“The Rural Electrification Agency remains fully committed to supporting the national development agenda through the expansion of electricity infrastructure. We are proud of the progress being made in Murehwa District and across Zimbabwe, where more schools, clinics, government institutions and productive sectors are being connected to power every year. These achievements would not be possible without the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the unwavering support of Government in prioritising rural development,” said Mrs Makumbinde.
Statistics presented during the event showed that Murehwa District has made notable progress in electrifying schools, health facilities, government institutions and business centres, with more projects already underway to connect remaining institutions.
Community members welcomed the development, describing the arrival of electricity as a transformative milestone that will unlock socio-economic opportunities, improve educational outcomes, strengthen healthcare delivery and enhance living standards across the district.
The successful completion of the Maponongwe–Dzivarasekwa Electrification Project reinforces Government’s determination to expand access to modern energy services and accelerate rural development under the “Magetsi Kumusha/Amagetsi ekhaya” initiative, ensuring that communities in Murehwa South fully participate in the country’s economic transformation.
