Harare- In a landmark event for the Epworth community, Epworth North legislator, Zivai Mhetu electrified Mabvazuva Secondary School in Ward 7 ending an 18-year wait for a basic service that promises to revolutionize learning for students.

The long-awaited milestone was officially commissioned on Saturday by the Epworth North Member of Parliament, Mhetu, in a celebratory ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries, local residents, teachers, and the development partners who made the project possible.

For nearly two decades, the lack of electricity severely hampered the school’s ability to provide a modern education and allow students to learn practical subjects such as computers.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the project, Mhetu urged local school development committees to take part in feedback meetings and propose school developmental projects for implementation.

Promising to prioritise the electrification of Muguta and Chinamano secondary schools in the constituency, Mhetu said:

“For development, we are using CDF funds and sometimes we are using our own resources. We are also being assisted by partners.”

He told delegates attending the event that the assistance of partners, Grapnote Steel and Gumtree Mining had enabled the successful completion of the electrification project.

“We have called SDC representatives from other schools to encourage you to attend feedback meetings so that you input into what we should use CDF funds for. Parents attend these meetings and table their needs and if you don’t attend we won’t know your priorities such as administration halls , school halls, computers. We prioritize the projects basing on the priorities as per the votes.

Mhetu said after the completion of road construction projects, the money that had been budgeted for fuel was not used hence the surplus which was then diverted to the electrification project.

“We called for a meeting with the constituency development committee and discussed our priorities. There was concensus on the electrification of Mabvazuva Secondary school. Working with partners requires honesty.

To future legislators, we need honest and accountable leaders. We do not want fraudsters. We are fighting for the education of our children and we are therefore encouraging that they have all the necessary support they need.

We want them to learn and pass because when we empower them, we have empowered the nation. We want Zimbabwe to rise and prosper. We want infrastructure development, a powerful currency.”

Mhetu cited the Dubai example saying he envisioned a prosperous nation

“Dubai is now developed and what is it that they have that we don’t? China attained its independence 30 years ahead of us but when you compare how they have developed their country with the current pace with which we are developing our country, there is a huge difference. This is why we are investing in education, in empowering children through education. We want to develop Zimbabwe and make it a prime destination for other nations. We envision a tomorrow where we will also put stringent requirements for one ro get a visa to come to Zimbabwe the same way developed nations make it hard to get entry into their countries.”

He called on everyone to work towards national developmental goals.He said:

“Other countries refuse us entry telling us to stay in our respective countries because we are under developed. Let us develop our country and prepare for a better tomorrow. My heart bleeds towards development and the empowerment of children because you are our future leaders. You will potentially develop this nation only if we empower you now.”

Before the electrification of Mabvazuva Secondary School, students and teachers were deprived of fundamental tools such as computers, adequate lighting for evening studies, and the ability to conduct science practicals or access digital learning resources.

“This project marks a turning point for education in our ward. We’re not only lighting up a school — we’re lighting up futures,” said Mhetu.

The event was graced by several officials, including Rewayi Nyamuronda (Hatfield Constituency), Gift Mamimbiri (Kadoma Central), Ward 7 Councillor Chamunorwa Tembo, and representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education who included the Acting DSI, Mr Marovatsanga.

Speaking at the event Mr Marovatsanga thanked Epworth North legislator, Mhetu, Grapnote Steel and Gumtree Mining and everyone who contributed towards the successful completion of the project.

“Our heritage based curriculum stipulates that we allow our learners to utilise the available resources. As a ministry, we are happy when we have leaders with the vision of ensuring that they support the utilisation of available resources in schools.

The world is now a global village that requires the use of Information. Communication and Technology (ICTs). All these require electricity and we are happy that Mabvazuva Secondary School has been electrified.”

The project was realized through a collaborative effort between Mhetu’s Constituency Development Committee (CDC) and key partners Grapnote Steel and Gumtree Mining, who were acknowledged for their critical support.

Grapnote Steel representative Mr Ruzvidzo urged the local community and learners to safeguard and not vandalise the equipment used to electrify the school saying his company prioritised and would continue supporting students’ development.

“We resonate with the mantra, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo meaning a country is only developed by its citizens. We will continue to support children’s development. Do not vandalise your legacy because the electrification of this school will benefit the community. You can now pump water and this is a developmental milestone worth celebrating.”

Mhetu used the occasion to announce ambitious plans to replicate the project’s success, revealing that Chinamano Primary School and Muguta Secondary School—which currently face similar power challenges—have been earmarked for the next phase of electrification.

The connection to the national grid is expected to bridge the digital divide that has long left Mabvazuva students at a disadvantage, finally integrating the school into the 21st-century learning environment.

There was joy as Grapnote Steel pledged to pay school fees for learners who had volunteered and dug trenches at the school during the electrification phase.