Runesu Gwidi in MASVINGO
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has completed nearly 90 projects across Masvingo Province over the past two years as the parastatal intensifies the drive to ensure power is accessible to remote parts of the country.

Among institutions and projects connected to power in Masvingo are schools, clinics and irrigation schemes.

A statement from Masvingo Provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa’s office revealed that 87 electrification projects had been completed in the last two years.

The office said the development dovetailed with Government’s thrust to uplift the standards of living of people in rural areas in line with Government’s thrust to make Zimbabwe an upper-middle income economy by 2030.

“The agency (REA) completed lighting up institutions such as farms, schools and chief’s homesteads among others despite the prevailing economic challenges,” said Mr Mbetsa’s office.

“During the period under review, REA energised 18 secondary schools, 35 primary schools, six group irrigation schemes, 10 clinics, four homesteads for traditional leaders. It further completed 14 projects for other companies and individual homes.’’

REA lamented a depleted vehicle fleet to access remote parts of the province.

Shortage of foreign currency to procure key components was also hampering progress.

“Foreign currency is needed to purchase materials such as conductors, wooden poles, transformers and more service vehicles,” Mr Mbetsa’s office said.

“In the same vein, we are glad that fuel is now available in our country. But the previous fuel shortages also severely affected REA projects.

Chief Chitanga of Mwenezi, Chief Musara of Masvingo and Chiefs Munyaradzi and Chimombe from Gutu had their homesteads electrified during the period under review.

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