Source: REA commissions US$30 000 biogas plant at mission school – herald
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Rural Electrification Agency has commissioned a US$30 000 bio-digester at St Paul Musami Mission in Murehwa, a development expected to significantly cut energy costs, improve waste management and enhance agricultural productivity at the institution.
The 50-cubic-metre bio-digester converts organic waste into biogas for cooking and produces fertiliser as a by-product, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution for the boarding school.
Biogas generated from the system is now powering the school’s kitchen, reducing reliance on electricity and shielding the institution from the effects of power outages.
The project also utilises waste from the school’s piggery, poultry and cattle projects, turning it into valuable energy and organic fertiliser.
The fertiliser is already boosting the school’s agricultural activities, including its organic garden, further strengthening its self-sustaining initiatives.
Commissioning the project, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development and sustainable energy solutions.
“We are a Government of the people, by the people and for the people, and all development under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa is aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy,” he said.
“Today, we commissioned a critical energy project at St Paul Musami Mission High School. The bio-digester is now meeting all the school’s cooking energy requirements, reducing electricity costs while promoting proper waste management through an environmentally friendly system.”
Adv Ndudzo said the project wss particularly impactful as it benefits a public boarding school, easing operational costs while improving efficiency.
REA provincial manager for Mashonaland East, Engineer Edward Kandare, said the bio-digester guaranteed the school a reliable and uninterrupted source of energy.
“This project is designed to help the school manage waste from its livestock projects while generating gas for the boarding kitchen. The school now relies on biogas for cooking, which significantly reduces electricity costs and is not affected by load shedding,” he said.
“In addition, the school is now producing liquid fertiliser from the digester, which is being used in its organic farming projects.”
Following the commissioning of the bio-digester, the minister proceeded to Jakopo business centre in Ward 14, Murehwa District, where REA has extended electricity to the area.
He said the electrification of the rural business centre was in line with Government’s thrust of ensuring no community is left behind.
“Jakopo is a remote area, but in line with our development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, we are ensuring that businesses and households here have access to electricity,” he said.
“The goal is to make energy accessible to every citizen as we work towards achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030.”
Eng Kandare added that electrification of Jakopo Business Centre is expected to transform livelihoods by unlocking economic opportunities in the area.
Local businessman Mr Blessing Nehanda said access to electricity would stimulate business growth and improve service delivery.
“We expect business to grow significantly. We can now store and sell perishable goods and cold drinks, which was not possible before,” he said.
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