By A Correspondent
Owen Mudha Ncube, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, has claimed that the new dispensation under President Emmerson Mnangagwa is working tirelessly to improve the lives of Zimbabwean citizens.
Speaking at the recent commissioning of the Gweru Provincial Hospital’s ZERA LED Retrofit Project, Ncube welcomed the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon. Edgar Moyo, and other distinguished guests to the Midlands Province, highlighting the importance of the project.
“It is an honor and privilege for me to warmly welcome our Guest of Honour, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon. Edgar Moyo, and all invited guests to the Midlands Province on this auspicious occasion of the commissioning of the Gweru Provincial Hospital LED Retrofit Project,” Ncube said.
He noted that the commissioning of the LED Retrofit Project marks a significant step towards promoting energy efficiency and adopting alternative energy technologies, aligning with the broader goals of modernization and industrialization under the government’s Vision 2030. Ncube highlighted that this vision aims to achieve an upper-middle-income society by 2030, as outlined by President Mnangagwa.
“Hon Minister, I am pleased to note that following my launch of this LED retrofitting project on the 21st of October 2024, ZERA moved with speed to complete the project in a record 3 months. This attests to ZERA’s adherence to the Second Republic’s work ethics of timely and results-oriented implementation of programs and projects, in line with the goal of achieving universal access to sustainable energy before 2030,” Ncube remarked.
The Minister further commended ZERA for decentralizing its operations to the Midlands Province to ensure that no one and no place is left behind in efforts to transform communities and grow the economy. He also praised ZERA for establishing an electric car charging point at the Petro-trade Fuel Service Station in Gweru, aligning with the country’s goal to embrace global energy trends.
“Honourable Minister, energy efficiency is our low-hanging fruit that creates excess power for the productive sectors of our economy, such as mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and tourism, which are crucial for GDP growth in the Midlands Province,” Ncube said. He also highlighted the importance of the province’s abundant lithium deposits, which contribute to the energy value chain through value addition and beneficiation.
Ncube commended the Ministry of Energy and Power Development for advancing energy access in the Midlands Province, citing the successful connection of 957 public institutions through the Rural Electrification Fund (REA). Additionally, Ncube praised REA’s efforts in promoting alternative energy technologies, including the deployment of 66 solar mini-grids, 47 solar units, and 16 biogas digesters in the province.
“As part of our commitment to transforming the livelihoods of communities, we continue to focus on ensuring access to quality and affordable social services, such as health, education, and rural development,” Ncube noted.
He also lauded the groundbreaking construction of a USD 1 billion, 720-megawatt coal thermal power plant by Titan New Energy in partnership with ZESA, which is expected to eliminate load shedding in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, Ncube urged Gweru General Hospital and all stakeholders present to actively participate in energy efficiency initiatives and safeguard the investments being made. He expressed gratitude to ZERA’s Board, management, and staff for successfully lighting up Gweru Provincial Hospital.
“With these few remarks, I heartily welcome our Guest of Honour and everyone here present. Enjoy our warm hospitality,” Ncube concluded.