SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-The parliamentary portfolio committee on energy and power development last week toured major infrastructure projects being funded by the Rural Electrification Fund in Masvingo Province.
The tour which started on Friday saw them visiting the 160 -kilowatt solar power project in Soti Source resettlement area in Gutu, biogas digesters at Mutendi High School and an institutional 15-killowart solar plant at Gunikuni Secondary School in Masvingo Rural.
The active participation of parliamentarians during the tour underscores the critical role of legislative support in advancing renewable energy initiatives across the country.
Speaking during the tour,Committee chairperson and Kuwadzana East legislator Charlton Hwende said their tour is meant to monitor and ensure that Government projects are being successfully implemented.
“The Parliamentary portfolio committee on Energy and Power Development is embarking on a three- day tour of REA projects in Masvingo and Matebeleland South Provinces.
“As you might be aware, Parliament is mandated by Section 299 of the Constitution and its Standing Order number 20 to oversee the revenues and expenditures of the Government Resources being deployed to these projects which are directly coming from the National Budget. As Parliament, it is our duty to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.
“This is meant to ensure transparency, accountability and responsibility. Transparency and accountability should be the hallmark of our democracy and as Parliament, we are responsible for protecting the Constitution and promoting democratic governance,” he said.
The REA projects stand as a pivotal success story in the country’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. This direct engagement fosters stronger collaboration between government bodies and the private sector entities that are actively involved in energy generation.
Speaking at Soti Source, Acting REA Chief Executive Officer Felistars Makumbinde said the projects which are being rolled out through the Rural Electrification Fund, shows Government’s commitment to Vision 2030 of making Zimbabwe an upper middle-income economy.
