Staff Reporter
More than 12,500 people in Hwakwata Village, Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency, now have reliable access to clean energy, thanks to a US$1.5 million solar and biogas project, officially commissioned yesterday by President Mnangagwa.
The project, part of the Climate Adaptation, Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP), was made possible through collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) of the UK, and the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
Speaking on behalf of President Mnangagwa at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, emphasized the importance of the project, which reflects the Government’s commitment to modernizing the country through sustainable energy solutions.
“This project marks an important milestone in my Government’s efforts to modernize Zimbabwe by providing sustainable, modern, and clean energy. It was made possible by our engagement and re-engagement policy with the international community.
“The Hwakwata Green Village Project includes a 220-kilowatt solar power plant, 90 biogas digesters, 100 solar home systems, 30 solar streetlights, and a community solar water pumping system. It is the first project of its kind in Zimbabwe, implemented in Hwakwata and other areas such as Chivi, Insiza, and Mlibizi in Binga,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa emphasized that this initiative aligns with the country’s national development goals and international commitments, particularly Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Zimbabwe, as a responsible member of the United Nations family, is committed to fulfilling the UN Agenda 2030 on sustainable development and our Vision 2030. Today, we witnessed one of the projects aimed at achieving SDG 7, which ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” he added.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the Government’s commitment to bridging the development gap between rural and urban areas, ensuring that infrastructure projects improve the standard of living in all parts of the country.
“Since independence in 1980, the Government has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of both rural and urban populations through infrastructure development in areas such as roads, schools, clinics, electricity, and communication,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency, Angeline Gata, praised the project as a historic development for the region.
“This is something unprecedented in this part of the country, and it will significantly close the gap between rural and urban opportunities,” she remarked.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Ayodele Odusola, commended the Government for its inclusive approach to development.
“This is a milestone achievement that ensures disadvantaged rural communities also develop to meet humane and decent standards of living,” said Dr Odusola.
The project’s success is a testament to the potential of sustainable development initiatives in improving lives across Zimbabwe, while also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
