By Buhle Mhlaulo
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Mudha Ncube commissioned a biogas digester project at Anderson High School in Gweru.
The project, which was funded by the government, aims to provide a sustainable solution for waste management and energy generation at the school.
Rural Electrification Agency (REA)manager Eng Silba Zimwara said to have targeted several schools for the biogas project.
In June, the REA team started the biogas project with Saint Patrick’s High School in Chiundura, Hama High in Churumanzu, Zhaugwe Primary and the business center in Shurugwi.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Honourable Ncube after a tour around with Mr Caxton Mukasvanga the school head said that the project is a testament to our government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and reducing our carbon footprint.
“Biogas is a sustainable efficient and low-cost energy source as beneficiaries utilize locally available materials to feed into the digester for heating and lighting. This initiative is yet another mind-storming achievement in the second republic ever led by visionary leader his excellency the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the current SADC Chairman Comrade Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as we pursue a clean and safe environment in line with sustainable development goal number 7 on affordable and clean energy.”
Honourable Ncube went on to say the effects of climate change need more methods of creating energy such as biogas which showcases the new dispensation’s rural industrial energy generation model, hence reducing reliance on electricity.“Ladies and gentlemen comrades and friends the energy sector is one of the major drivers of our national development matrix. The negative effects of climate change across the globe in particular droughts demand a shift from over-dependence on hydropower to alternative energy technologies like this one which resonate with our local heritage-based comparative advantages with thermal, solar and wind energy.”
However, a job well done to Engineer Silba Zimwara was accredited for the work done, as they came to realize that it was a job accomplished by a woman.
“I believe she has a distinction in chemistry” complimented Honourable Minister Ncube. Now learners can concentrate on school work without having to worry about load shedding and electricity as the biogas can produce watts enough to produce electricity for the whole school. It is the fourth project in schools around the Midlands Province.
