As part of the initiative, 62 affiliate families, members of the business community and benefiting schools will contribute 50 percent of the total cost of $348,000. The Zimbabwe Rural Electrification Agency will contribute the other half, according to Chairperson of Chizanga Community Development Programme, MDC-T Ward 26 Councillor, Passmore Mangwiro. “Already 10 percent of the expected cost of $174,000 has been raised. The balance will be paid by November and we expect the project to be implemented before the end of this year,” said Mangwiro.
REA is expected to erect power lines and construct power sub-stations as well as underline substations. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority will charge additional costs for power metering and connection to the grid. Mangwiro said the electrification programme will benefit homes in Chizanga Village, Gororo and Maruta Primary Schools, Chibvongodze Business Centre, the Chizanga Village shop and Makati Business Centre. He said the provision of electricity at Chizanga schools would help attract qualified teachers to the institutions.
The councillor said once households had electricity they would not rely on firewood as much and deforestation would decrease. Villagers hailed the plans to electrify their community.
“With electricity we can start small scale irrigation projects using water sprinklers. Projects such as tomato, vegetable and maize farming will benefit most from the availability of electricity. We would also use the electricity to power water pumps. As a community, we commend Mangwiro for his untiring efforts to develop Chizanga Village,” said a villager.
Post published in: Agriculture