Zimpapers Logo

Mash Central Correspondent
THE Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has earmarked 57 energy projects for Mashonaland Central province this year.

In an interview, the agency’s public relations and marketing executive, Mr Johannes Nyamayedenga, said 48 projects were for the national grid, six for solar energy while three were for biogas energy.

He said rural areas suffered from neglect for a long time in terms of energy provision despite the majority of citizens of Zimbabwe living there.

Mr Nyamayedenga said since its inception, REA has remained consistent with the mandate to facilitate rapid equitable provision of energy to rural areas.

“This year alone, the Rural Electrification Agency has earmarked 57 energy projects for Mashonaland Central Province of which 48 projects are for the national grid, six are solar energy, while three are biogas energy,” he said.

“Rushinga has the highest number of national grid projects totalling 12, with nine of them already in progress. The three solar projects are still to be implemented followed by Mt Darwin which has nine national grid projects, with three of them in progress. Six are still to be implemented.

“Muzarabani also has nine national grid projects planned for this year. Two projects have already been implemented, while one is in progress. Shamva has five grid projects and one project was implemented.

“Mazowe has four national grid projects planned. Two have already been implemented, while the other two are in progress. One solar project is still to be implemented.

“Bindura, Mbire and Guruve districts have three planned national grid projects each. Bindura and Mbire have one national grid project each already implemented, while one project is in progress in each district. Bindura has two planned biogas projects which are still to be implemented, while Guruve has one implemented project.”

Mr Nyamayedenga said REA had provided energy to many rural institutions such as schools, clinics and business centres.

These include Chingwaro Secondary School, Gumbochuma Primary School, Mutemakungu Primary School, Farai Primary School, Sangojena Primary School, Masimbe Secondary School and Plot No. 1 Oakwood Farm.