By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
The government has completed a series of transformative projects in Binga bringing much needed electricity, healthcare, and education infrastructure to the area in Matabeleland North.
Binga’s Mabobolo community which has over the years relied on energy substitutes waves goodbye to firewood after been connected to the national electricity grid as part of the government’s Rural Electrification Programme, energising local schools, a clinic, and a business centre.
Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo emphasised that electricity is crucial for keeping pace with global trends and plays a vital role in irrigation farming.
“We are empowering communities to participate in the digital economy, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life, without electricity irrigation farming remained out of reach.Smallholder farmers and villagers with a passion for production relied on rain fed agriculture despite having water from nearby dams and rivers,” said Minister Moyo.
The project fulfills a promise made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to development as the vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society sails on.
In 2023, President Mnangagwa officially commissioned new classroom blocks at the secondary school and attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a clinic, pledging to electrify all remote areas nationwide.
The Rural Electrification Agency reports that a total of 11,159 institutions, including schools, clinics, local leader, homesteads, and business centers, have been electrified nationwide.
Binga stands out as a key tourism hub, boasting a rich cultural heritage, abundant fish resources, exciting beach activities, and the renowned hot springs.
The government through the tourism Minister had indicated that Binga and Nkayi are set to be transformed, given their immense potential in tourism, which is expected to increase the country revenue.