Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has solarised 78 diesel-powered small water supply stations across the country, significantly improving access to clean and reliable water for rural communities while reducing operational costs through the adoption of renewable energy.
The programme has brought relief to thousands of people in rural service centres, particularly in areas where some of the water supply stations had remained idle for nearly two decades because of the high cost and unsustainability of operating diesel-powered engines.
ZINWA head of communications and marketing, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said the solarisation programme is part of the authority’s broader strategy to embrace clean, renewable and environmentally friendly energy in line with its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.
She said the initiative has transformed water supply in many rural communities by restoring operations at previously dormant stations while improving production at those that had been struggling due to expensive diesel-powered systems.
“The solarisation of these stations is part of ZINWA’s commitment to adopting clean and renewable energy technologies while ensuring sustainable and affordable water supply services to rural communities,” she said.
“This initiative also supports our Environmental, Social and Governance goals by reducing carbon emissions and lowering operational costs.”
She said the authority is targeting to solarise a total of 100 diesel-powered small water supply stations by the end of the year.
According to ZINWA, some of the diesel-powered stations had been non-functional for nearly two decades, while production at those that remained operational had declined significantly because of the prohibitive cost of diesel.
The authority said converting the stations to solar energy has restored water supplies and substantially reduced operating costs, as solar power is far cheaper than diesel.
The upgraded stations are also able to operate for longer periods during the day, except under cloudy conditions, resulting in improved water availability for communities.
Mrs Munyonga said the programme has already increased water production, with the solarised stations now producing a combined average of about 3 500 cubic metres (3,5 million litres) of water per day, greatly improving access to safe water in the beneficiary areas.
Stations that have already been converted to solar power include Mutikizizi, Chitsa, Chinyika, Chivamba, Basera, Deure V23, Nerupiri, Rupike, Chinyabako, Chirorwe, Svuure, Chatikobo, Harava, Mukanga, Soti Source, Veza, Zinguwo, Mafuva, Devure Gutu, Sango Border Post, Malipati, Gezani, New Boli, Nyahombe and Tetenu.
Others are Berejena, Chidyamakono, Lundi-Siboza, Madamombe, Mushandike, Masvosva, Mukosi, Pandamatenga, Mataga, Deka Army, Lubimbi, Lusulu, Sipepa, St Luke’s, Dakamela, Nkayi, Dinyane, Dombodema, Mbamba, Lady Baring, Nswazi, Chiendambuya, Nyamazira, Ruwangwe, Manama, Mayobodo and Mugoti.
Mrs Munyonga said ZINWA has also embarked on rehabilitating water reticulation networks in the affected areas to curb leakages and repair ageing infrastructure responsible for water losses.
She added that the authority plans to automate the stations in the near future, reducing human intervention while improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of water supply systems.
The solarisation programme forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen rural water infrastructure, enhance climate resilience and expand access to safe and sustainable water supplies through the adoption of green energy technologies.
