Biogas digesters boost for green economy initiative
Story by Tichaona Kurewa
IN a significant development for Zimbabwe’s green economy, Sizinda area located just outside Victoria Falls in Matabeleland North province, has benefited from the commissioning of several biogas digesters.
The initiative aligns with the country’s Renewable Energy Policy, which prioritises the development of clean energy sources.
Brought by Wild Horizons in partnership with the local community, the biogas projects in Sizinda have excited villagers in Monde area, who are self-assured of the benefits of smart technology.
“We are very excited about the technology which has reached our village, we have never imagined that heating can be this easy,” said one of the beneficiaries.
Another added, “Even when preparing for school children in the morning it’s now quick and smarter.”
“When we come back from a busy day, we can prepare our food even quicker,” another beneficiary reiterated.
Biogas digesters do not only contribute to a greener environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also empower communities by decreasing their dependence on dwindling firewood resources.
“We have had a problem of deforestation in this area but with the coming in of this project, we will certainly serve our forests through smart cooking, we hope this can be replicated across Zimbabwe. It is also helping in cleaning our environment as some waste we used to throw away, we are now using it to generate biogas. Many thanks to our partners for this initiative,” said Acting Chief Mvuthu, Bishop Mathatha Sibanda.
Wild Horizons Marketing Manager, Mr Tichaona Tandi said the company will continue to work with communities in transforming livelihoods.
“It is our wish to play our part in the provision of clean energy in the country, we will not end here. As a tourism company, environmental preservation is key since our operation relies on the environment to thrive. We have installed five biogas digesters and we started with the headmen’s homesteads in this area. It’s a continuous process and by year-end, we are targeting 15 biodigesters,” he said.
The success of the Monde Village project is expected to pave way for wider implementation of biogas technology across the country.
With a lifespan of 20 years, biogas digesters capture methane gas produced by the decomposition of organic waste.
They are used for cooking, heating and even electricity generation, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources such as firewood and fossil fuels.
