CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU: Villagers in Lower Gweru’s Ward 8 have applauded the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) for the continued support in facilitating life changing training programmes to locals.
A villager, Maria Lunga said thousands of locals have benefited from training programmes on biogas which were recently conducted by EMA.
“I would like to thank EMA for training locals on how to use biogas through cow dung which has made our lives easier as we no-longer need to struggle looking for firewood,’’ said Lunga.
Another villager Sikhumbuzo Dhlodhlo said the biogas project has enabled them to conserve trees.
“We no longer go on a rampage cutting down trees for firewood as we have an alternative energy source,” he said.
Since the biogas training which started in 2017, the villagers have managed to build the chambers where the reaction takes place.
The villagers collect cow dung every week so that they feed the chambers. For every 10 litres of cow dung, they add 10 litres of water for the reaction to take place.
Biogas is a source of energy that can be used in rural areas apart from using firewood which result in air pollution through smoke and deforestation caused cutting down of trees.
Village head Eriphas Ncube also thanked EMA for the initiative which he said was every villager‘s wish since biogas not only conserve the environment but saved time when used for cooking.
“It has always been my wish to see all households using biogas since it is a relief on firewood. With this development we have a reliable alternative energy source’’ Ncube said.
Apart from biogas trainings EMA has also rolled awareness campaigns to the people of Lower Gweru on the conservation of wetlands.
Many villagers have also benefited from Dufuya wetland especially on agriculture through the overflowing water.
Through the Dufuya wetland villagers are earning a living as various crops which include vegetables, tomatoes and sweet potatoes are being grown.
The wetland has created employment with 350 gardens operational.
Midlands Environmental and Publicity Officer for EMA, Oswald Ndlovu said one of EMA‘s mandate includes the protection of the environment.
“As EMA we are happy with various Lower Gweru projects that are currently taking place.
“Using biogas means less cutting down of trees in search of firewood. Trees must be protected and if it was possible every household should embrace biogas energy,” he said.
He added, “The villagers have also managed conservation of wetlands, an indication that as EMA our education awareness campaigns on preserving the environment are being implemented effectively.”
