REF LIGHTS UP CHAMANHANZVA COMMUNITY IN CHIVI DISTRICT
ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT MINISTER PRAISES REF FOR ELECTRIFYING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN CHIVI DISTRICT
The Rural Electrification Fund is making progress in its efforts of providing access to energy to rural public institutions by 2025 under the National Development Strategy (NDS1) despite the harsh economic condition bedeviling the country.
The progress achieved by REF so far has attracted the attention of the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon Zhemu Soda who praised the Fund for executing its duties effectively under the unfavorable environment.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Zivuku to Chamanhanzva Electrification project in Chivi District, Hon Soda said that REF was making great strides in promoting rural development and uplifting the lifestyles of villagers.
“It is encouraging to note that despite economic hardships, the Fund has continued to register meaningful progress in the provision of access to sustainable modern energy services to the rural areas of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Hon Soda, however lamented the current challenges facing REF, chief among them inadequate funding for the rural electrification program. He noted that the 6 percent levy was not enough to accelerate the program and sustain the momentum already gained by the Fund.
The Minister said that his ministry will continue to explore ways of supporting REF to carry out its mandate of facilitating rapid and equitable provision of energy to rural Zimbabwe.
“In this regard, the Government of Zimbabwe through Treasury made fiscal allocation of ZWL $100 and ZWL$ 354 million in 2021 and 2022 respectively to argument the levy in support of the Rural Electrification Fund Program.” he added.
The commissioned project completed this year at a cost of 180 000 thousand United States dollars is one of many programs being undertaken by REF in all the eight (8) rural Provinces of the country. The project benefited both Chamanhanzva secondary and Magwari Primary schools, Zivuku clinic, business centre, Agritex offices and Chief Nemauzhe homestead.
