mbulelo smpofu
Sunday News Reporter
IN a significant gesture of support for rural communities in Zimbabwe, China recently launched a Solar Lighting Programme donation in Zvimba, Mashonaland West Province.
The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhou Ding, delivered remarks at the ceremony held at Herbert Chitepo Primary School in Zvimba.
The event was attended by key officials, including Minister of Defence and National Chairman of Zanu-PF Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri; Mashonaland West’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, and Zanu-PF Secretary for Women’s League and President of the Senate Marble Chinomona.
Ambassador Zhou opened his speech by expressing his honour at visiting Mashonaland West, a region recognised as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural revolution, and praised its cultural heritage.
Amb Zhou introduced the Solar Lighting Programme, which will provide 1,000 solar lanterns to rural communities, aiming to enhance the quality of life for families and students.
He expressed hope that the lanterns would illuminate homes and aid children in their studies.
Additionally, he announced the donation of rice and cooking oil to the community, celebrating the upcoming festive season.
The ambassador also invited the Chinese Medical Team in Zimbabwe to offer free health check-ups at the event, promising further support for community health.
He commended the efforts of leaders, especially Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, for their dedication to rural development and women’s empowerment, acknowledging their inspirational presence at the ceremony.
He emphasised the long-standing friendship between China and Zimbabwe, rooted in shared historical experiences and mutual support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Highlighting China’s ongoing commitment to Zimbabwe, Amb Zhou noted that the country has consistently responded to Zimbabwe’s needs, particularly during crises such as food shortages caused by drought.
He said that China has delivered food assistance worth approximately $16 million to support vulnerable communities and has initiated various development projects, including the drilling of boreholes to enhance water access.
The ambassador pointed out the positive impact of previous Chinese-funded initiatives in Mashonaland West, such as the Kariba South Power Station Expansion Project and the China-aid Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre, which aims to modernise agriculture in Zimbabwe. He described the success of the solar-powered water system in the China-Zimbabwe Agricultural Co-operation and Poverty Reduction Demonstration Village, which benefits over 300 households.
Amb Zhou highlighted the collaborative relationship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and ZANU-PF, emphasising their shared commitment to people-centered governance. He referenced a quote from CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping, aligning it with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusivity.
In closing, he reflected on the recent strengthening of China-Zimbabwe relations, marked by President Mnangagwa’s state visit to China. He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and conveyed his best wishes for the festive season, wishing everyone health, happiness, and prosperity in the upcoming year.
“To our Zimbabwean sisters and brothers, please be assured that China is always by your side,” he concluded, receiving warm applause from the audience.
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