Government has intensified efforts to promote biogas technology in rural communities, with Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo urging households, schools and communities to embrace the clean energy solution as an alternative to firewood.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Tshitulipasi Solar Mini-Grid and 25 biogas digesters in Beitbridge, Minister Moyo said the programme was designed to improve livelihoods while reducing pressure on the country’s forests.
“We want every homestead that qualifies to have a biogas digester so that people do not have to rely on firewood for cooking,” he said.
“So that you do not have to look for firewood, so that you preserve the trees. Biogas is the solution we are bringing to our communities.”
Minister Moyo said households with at least eight cattle should work with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to access the technology.
“If you have eight or more cattle, work with REA. The cattle produce the waste that generates the gas, and that gas can be used for cooking every day,” he said.
He said schools also stood to benefit significantly from the programme.
“Our teachers should not spend their time looking for firewood. Their responsibility is to teach our children and improve educational outcomes. Biogas gives them that opportunity.”
Minister Moyo challenged Government ministries and development partners to accelerate the rollout of the technology by building local capacity.
“We need to train our young people to construct these digesters. We need women’s groups to champion this programme, and we need schools to teach children about clean cooking technologies,” he said.
Minister Moyo said Zimbabwe could emulate countries such as Tanzania, which have made notable progress in promoting clean cooking technologies.
“Tanzania has demonstrated that clean cooking technologies can transform communities. Zimbabwe can achieve the same if we invest more in renewable energy solutions,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe said communities should fully embrace the programme as it offered both environmental and economic benefits.
“We must protect our forests for future generations while embracing alternative sources of energy that improve the quality of life for our people,” he said.
The commissioning of the Tshitulipasi Solar Mini-Grid and biogas digesters is part of Government’s drive to expand access to renewable energy and improve energy security in rural communities.
