29/05/2026
A New Chapter Begins for Bulimeni and Mvundla Communities
Communities in Bulimeni and Mvundla are one step closer to operating locally owned businesses following the commencement of construction for facilities that will support the Productive Use of Electricity (PUE) programme under the Africa Minigrids Program.
The facilities will house a hammer mill, dressmaking shop, hair salon, welding workshop, and carpentry workshop, creating opportunities for enterprise development through a community-owned cooperative model.
Yesterday marked a major milestone for the project as the Authority officially handed over the sites to Narrow Path Investment, the contractor appointed to construct the facilities.
This phase builds on extensive groundwork undertaken in 2025 through a partnership with SECCO, which provided training in business management and financial literacy to community members. Feasibility studies were also conducted to identify the most viable business opportunities based on local needs and available skills. Importantly, SECCO will continue supporting the programme beyond construction to help ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the enterprises once operational.
For these communities, this is about more than infrastructure. It is about improving livelihoods, creating economic opportunities, and bringing essential services closer to where people live. Services that often require travelling long distances will soon be available within the communities themselves.
The enterprises will not only generate income opportunities for community members but will also contribute to the sustainability of the mini-grids and help keep electricity affordable for households. Revenue generated through the businesses will support the long-term viability of the mini-grid systems while strengthening local economic activity.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of October. It was encouraging to witness the excitement and optimism from community representatives who attended the site handover sessions in both areas.
The next few months will see these facilities take shape, bringing the communities of Bulimeni and Mvundla closer to a future where access to electricity translates into jobs, income, and lasting economic opportunity.