By Brenda Mazhambe
There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration in Umguza District last Friday as community members gathered for the official commissioning of the Majindani Primary School and Business Centre Electrification Project in Matabeleland North Province.
The project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), involved the construction of eight kilometres of power lines to connect Majindani Primary School, three business premises, and a community borehole to the national electricity grid.
The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon. July Moyo, with senior Government officials, traditional leaders, local authorities, and members of the local community in attendance.
According to Government statistics, more than 11,400 projects and households have been electrified nationwide through the Rural Electrification Programme, underscoring the Government’s commitment to expanding access to energy and promoting inclusive development.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. July Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for communities across Matabeleland North Province.
“The Second Republic remains committed to inclusive development. We will continue working tirelessly to improve roads, water supply systems, health facilities, schools, and energy infrastructure throughout Matabeleland North Province. Our objective is to ensure that every citizen benefits from the fruits of independence and national development,” he said.
The Minister described electricity as a vital catalyst for socio-economic transformation, particularly in rural communities where access to modern infrastructure has historically been limited.
“For many years, rural communities faced developmental challenges because of limited access to electricity. Schools struggled to embrace modern technologies, health institutions operated under difficult conditions, and business centres remained constrained in terms of growth and productivity.
“Today, we are witnessing the reversal of that narrative. Electricity will enhance teaching and learning, improve healthcare services, stimulate business activity, and unlock economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
Hon. Moyo also urged residents to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure against vandalism and theft, noting that such acts undermine national development and place unnecessary financial burdens on the country.
“As beneficiaries of this important investment, I call upon the community to take ownership of this infrastructure and protect it from vandalism and theft. The destruction of transformers, conductors, and other electrical equipment delays development and imposes unnecessary costs on the nation. Let us work together as responsible citizens to preserve these assets for future generations.”
He highlighted that the electrification of Majindani Primary School would create a more conducive learning environment and help bridge the gap between rural and urban education.
“Our children deserve equal opportunities irrespective of where they are born. Through electrification, learners at Majindani Primary School will now have access to information and communication technologies that are essential in today’s digital world. This development will go a long way in improving educational outcomes and preparing our learners for the future economy.”
The Minister further noted that connecting the community borehole to electricity would strengthen water security while supporting irrigation, nutrition gardens, and other income-generating initiatives.
“The electrification of the community borehole will improve access to clean and safe water while creating opportunities for nutrition gardens and other income-generating projects. This is in line with Government’s broader strategy of building resilient communities capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.”
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Hon. Richard Moyo, described the project as tangible evidence of the Second Republic’s determination to ensure that no community is left behind.
“Today marks a historic day for the people of Majindani and the broader Umguza District. The commissioning of this electrification project is not merely about the installation of power lines; it is about transforming lives, creating opportunities, and empowering communities to participate fully in the socio-economic development of our nation.
“This project speaks directly to the vision of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, of building an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by the year 2030.”
He added that the successful completion of the project reflects the Government’s resolve to ensure that development reaches every corner of the country, regardless of geographical location.
“The successful completion of this project demonstrates Government’s determination to ensure that development reaches every corner of our country, regardless of geographical location,” he said.
The Majindani Electrification Project is expected to improve education, stimulate local businesses, enhance access to clean water, and create new economic opportunities, bringing renewed hope and sustainable development to the people of Umguza District.
