Govt commissions $22k biogas digester
GOVERNMENT has commissioned a $22 000 biogas digester at St Michaels High School in Mhondoro as it moves to increase access to alternative environmentally friendly energy sources in rural communities.
The digester uses biomass or organic waste to generate gas used to power households and institutions as alternative power.
This becomes the fourth plant constructed so far in Mashonaland West province after Moleli, Kutama and Sandringham high schools.
A total of 52 biogas digesters have been constructed countrywide under the institutional biogas programme being spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
In a speech read by his deputy Tsitsi Muzenda, Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Samuel Undenge said the ministry plans to expand the programme.
“Further, my ministry, through the Rural Electrification Fund has plans to expand and accelerate the biogas digester programme to cover, not only rural institutions, but homesteads and farming communities as well,” he said.
While commending the progress being made by REF in increasing access to electricity for cooking, heating and lighting, the minister said there is need for more funding.
“The major challenge faced by the Rural Electrification Fund is inadequate funding for the programme.
“The six percent electrification levy that REF gets through electricity sales and fiscal allocation by Government are not adequate to accelerate the programme or to sustain the momentum already gained by the programme,” he said.
The minister bemoaned the erratic supply of material for project implementation due to shortage of foreign currency resulting in delays or failure to implement planned projects.
Being a low cost energy option, biogas technology is key in solving power challenges encountered in both rural and urban communities.
Mashonaland West Minister of State Webster Shamu welcomed the development saying it highlights Government’s effort in uplifting the lives of people in rural areas.
REF board chairperson Cde Willard Chiwewe said the fund had gone a long way in fulfilling its mandate to reverse colonial induced underdevelopment in rural areas.
“The Rural Electrification Fund has made significant contributions in providing energy to rural communities as a way to engender this growth and development since its inception in 2002,” said Cde Chiwewe.
He said alternative energy sources will help alleviate the power deficit in the country and the Sadc region.
St Michaels High School Sister Claris Kova said the digester which is already being used at the boarding school’s dining hall for lighting and heating will help reduce the electricity bill.
The saved money, she said will be channelled towards other commitments at the school.
REF has so far electrified 8 928 rural institutions countrywide using grid and solar technologies.