By Donald Nyarota
There is cautious optimism over a renewable energy program soon to be introduced by the government, as fears abound that the scheme could be hijacked for political expediency. The government’s upcoming Presidential Solarisation Program has sparked cautious optimism tempered by concerns that it may be exploited for political gain.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) took note of the recent announcement by Minister Jenfan Muswere that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will soon launch the Presidential Solarisation Programme to provide solar power to 200,000 rural households across Zimbabwe’s eight rural provinces.
In a Press Statement, the watchdog cautions that the program’s bright light of promise could be dimmed in the pitfalls of political expediency, corruption, or outright abuse.
At face value, this initiative is a welcome step towards addressing energy poverty, promoting renewable energy adoption, and improving rural electrification. However, as history has shown, good intentions alone do not guarantee success.
CNRG Climate Justice Officer Stanley Mugomeza emphasized that while small-scale renewable energy projects can drive rural development, careful consideration of technical feasibility is crucial.
“The design and engineering of renewable energy projects should identify potential challenges and the availability of adequate infrastructure and technical expertise. Such projects need to be tailored to the specific conditions that are present.
“The Presidential solarisation thus needs to take cognisance of such pertinent issues,” said Mugomeza.
The Promise of Solar Energy
Zimbabwe is blessed with abundant sunshine, making solar energy a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional electricity sources. The Presidential Solarisation Programme, if implemented transparently and equitably, has the potential to transform rural communities by powering homes, schools, and small businesses, thereby improving livelihoods and fostering development.
The involvement of Youth Service Zimbabwe graduates from the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in installing the solar kits suggests an effort to empower young professionals and create employment opportunities.
However, while the programme’s goals are commendable, CNRG remains cautious about its execution. Zimbabwe’s history is riddled with well-intended government initiatives that have been derailed by political interference, lack of transparency, and mismanagement of public funds.
Lessons from the Past: A Cautionary Tale
Past government schemes, such as Command Agriculture and the Presidential Well-Wishers’ Inputs Scheme, serve as stark reminders of how national projects can be manipulated for political gain.
The Command Agriculture programme, meant to boost food security, saw a staggering US$3 billion expended between 2015 and 2018, with nearly $1 billion unaccounted for. The lack of transparency and oversight resulted in financial mismanagement and partisan distribution, as confirmed by Auditor General Mildred Chiri.
Similarly, the Presidential Well-Wishers’ Inputs Scheme, aimed at supporting disadvantaged farmers, has faced accusations of favoritism, with resources allegedly being channeled to ruling party supporters rather than the intended beneficiaries. These examples highlight the risks associated with government-led initiatives that lack proper oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Concerns Surrounding the Solarisation Programme
CNRG is particularly concerned that the Presidential Solarisation Programme may suffer the same fate as its predecessors. The lack of broad consultation during the implementation phase raises red flags about inclusivity and transparency.
Furthermore, the involvement of Youth Service graduates—a group historically linked to ruling party loyalty—raises questions about whether the programme could be used as a tool for political patronage rather than national development.
To prevent this initiative from being tainted by the same issues that have plagued past programmes, CNRG proffered several recommendations the government can adopt to ensure success:
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- Transparent Beneficiary Selection – Establish and publicize clear, non-partisan criteria for selecting households to receive solar power.
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- Wide Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement – Engage communities, civil society organizations, and independent experts to ensure inclusivity and build public trust.
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- Independent Monitoring and Evaluation – Set up a transparent oversight body to track progress, prevent corruption, and address inefficiencies.
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- Non-Partisan Implementation – Ensure that political affiliations do not determine access to solar power, promoting fairness and unity rather than division.
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- Public Accountability and Feedback Mechanisms – Create platforms for citizens to report grievances, provide feedback, and hold officials accountable for any misconduct.
A Call for Genuine Change
Solar energy is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Zimbabwe. However, for the Presidential Solarisation Programme to truly succeed, it must be guided by principles of transparency, fairness, and public accountability.
If properly implemented, this initiative could shine a much-needed light on thousands of households. However, if mismanaged, it risks becoming another dim chapter in Zimbabwe’s history of politicized public projects.
The Zimbabwean public deserves a programme that delivers real impact, not empty promises. It is now up to the government to prove that this initiative is about progress—not politics.