Source: Govt to electrify all schools and clinics in 2026 – herald
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to electrify all schools and health centres across Zimbabwe by 2026, with priority given to rural institutions.
The initiative seeks to expand access to clean energy and bridge the gap between rural and urban communities in electricity distribution and availability.
Energy and Power Development Minister, Honourable July Moyo, announced the programme during a tour of the Chimoio Shrine in Mozambique last week.
The visit, organised for the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) board, management and staff, was designed to inspire them by reflecting on the sacrifices made by liberation war heroes and heroines.
Minister Moyo said the electrification drive is being pursued in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no place and no person behind” in national development.
He noted that many rural schools remain disconnected from the national grid, a situation that hampers the teaching of science, engineering, and technology subjects, leaving learners at a disadvantage.
Teacher retention has also been affected, with many educators leaving rural schools due to the lack of electricity in staff housing.
Similarly, clinics in rural areas continue to struggle without power, undermining healthcare delivery.
“The Rural Electrification Agency is an important institution because it touches every ward and district. To fulfill President Mnangagwa’s vision, we have set a strategic plan for 2026 to ensure that every primary and secondary school, as well as every clinic in Zimbabwe, is electrified by the end of that year,” said Minister Moyo.
He explained that taking REA staff to Chimoio Shrine was meant to remind them of the liberation struggle and inspire them to work tirelessly for rural development. “Economic development is underpinned by electricity and energy. Rural areas, which bore the brunt of the liberation war, must not be left behind,” he said.
Acting REA board chairperson, Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo said the agency fully appreciates the sacrifices made by fallen comrades and is determined to honour them through diligent service.
“We had the opportunity to see, learn, and appreciate where our country came from, and to reflect on the people who gave their lives for our freedom. As we carry out our duties under the Rural Electrification Fund, particularly in rural areas, we must remember that we are serving the parents and families of those who rest here. That awareness should guide us to uplift their standards of living. We carry a debt to those who sacrificed so much, and this has taught us to be patriotic. The least we can do is to execute our responsibilities with integrity, without corruption, and ensure that the communities we serve are satisfied,” said Mrs. Chitiyo.
Acting REA chief executive officer, Mrs. Felisters Makumbinde, described the visit as an eye-opener that will strengthen staff commitment to achieving the 2026 target of electrifying all schools and clinics.
“This important visit, organised by Minister Moyo for the board, management and staff, was both enlightening and inspiring. It reminded us of our roots and the sacrifices that shaped our independence. When one lives in Harare without understanding where the country came from, it is easy to make wrong decisions or lose commitment to national development. This visit has spiritually aligned everyone at REA. Men and women gave their lives for liberation, and today we enjoy independence, land, and ownership because of their sacrifices. Some may still complain, but we must remain grateful.
“As an organisation, we are thankful for this trip. It marks a new beginning in rural electrification, especially as we work towards our 2026 target of electrifying all schools and clinics. We are ready for the task,” said Mrs Makumbinde.
Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology facilitator, Cde July Badza said it is important for civil servants to visit Chimoio and other shrines for them to fully appreciate the sacrifices made by the brave young and women, who did so without payment, but the zeal to liberate their motherland.
“During the colonial era, the black people’s minds were brain washed. Our history was distorted by the colonisers. This delegation has seen it with their own eyes the painful history of Chimoio. Zimbabwe’s independence did not come on a silver platter, there was a lot of bloodshed. When they are back in Zimbabwe, they will be able to accurately educate other citizens on the history of Chimoio.
“These tours help to build patriotic minds in people working for the Government and its parastatals. The liberation fighters who were less equipped played their role in dislodging colonisers who were well armed with helicopters and other war machinery,” said Cde Badza.
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