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Kachechete embraces sustainable energy with new biogas digesters

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

In a significant step towards sustainable energy, the rural community of Kachechete has successfully commissioned 24 biogas digesters.

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This initiative, launched in collaboration with Wild Horizons, the Rotary Club of Victoria Falls, and the local community, aims to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources like firewood and fossil fuels.

“The biogas digesters align perfectly with our national vision 2030 objectives, which aim to create a modern, prosperous Zimbabwe,” said Silibaziso Mlotshwa, speaking on behalf of acting Chief Mvuthu, Bishop Matata Sibanda.

“Embracing sustainable, clean energy solutions like this project helps uplift our communities while contributing to national and global sustainability goals.”

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The biogas digesters provide a critical alternative to firewood, reducing pressure on local forests. “We are only allowed to fetch firewood from designated forest areas on Thursdays, which is often insufficient for our needs. The biogas digesters will help close this gap and protect our valuable forests,” Mlotshwa added.

Community members, especially women and girls, are expected to benefit significantly from the biogas project. “The introduction of biogas technology means our girls have more time for schoolwork and are less exposed to dangers like abuse while fetching firewood. This project is a blessing for our community,” said Monica Matibi, a local resident.

Wild Horizons representative Tendani Nemalwondo explained the environmental and economic benefits of the biogas digesters, which convert organic waste into methane gas. “Biogas digesters are eco-friendly devices that provide sustainable energy for cooking, heating, lighting, and even electricity generation. They also produce bio-fertilizer and natural pesticides, enhancing agricultural productivity.”

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Lanforce Energy’s Chief Operating Officer Victor Tarirayi highlighted the cost-effectiveness of biogas technology, noting its potential to reduce household expenses significantly. “A biogas digester is a cost-effective solution; once installed, it can cut energy costs dramatically. For a household of six, which might spend US$30 monthly on gas or electricity, these savings can be redirected to other needs like school fees.”

 

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In the community

Avoid nightime movement and stoning elephants, communities told

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Following a recent spate of human-wildlife conflict incidents, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo has urged communities to exercise caution when encountering wild animals.

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Farawo emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations with elephants, particularly when they encroach into community areas. “We would like to urge members of the communities to avoid throwing stones at elephants,” he said. “This action agitates them, leading to attacks on people.”

In addition to avoiding confrontations, Farawo advised community members to minimize movement at night, as this is when wild animals are most active. “We would like to urge communities to avoid moving at night to minimize casualties,” he said.

Farawo’s comments come after a 79-year-old man from Hwange was killed by an elephant yesterday. The incident is still under investigation by rangers. This is the second fatal incident in the area, following the death of another man who was attacked by an elephant while on his way to work in Hwange town several weeks ago.

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Elephant attack claims life of 79-year-old man in Mbizha

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

A 79-year-old man from Mbizha village met a tragic end yesterday when he was killed by a stray elephant, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

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Zimbabwe Parks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, confirmed the incident, saying, “We confirm the sad and unfortunate incident that happened today where a 79-year-old man lost his life.”

The attack occurred four kilometers away from the community, although the exact time of the incident was not disclosed.

This latest incident brings the total number of human deaths caused by wild animals to 40 this year, with over 55 people injured, according to statistics from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority as of last month.

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Since 2019, over 370 people have been killed and 453 injured in similar incidents, highlighting the ongoing concern of human-wildlife conflict in the country.

 

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ZPC employees appear in court over US$3.8 million theft charges

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BY STAFF REPORTER

Two senior employees of the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) in Hwange, have been charged with the theft of company property valued at US$3 896 000.

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Tawanda Mhaka and Ruth Chiyani were arraigned in court following an extensive investigation into the alleged theft, which reportedly involved an accomplice, Hardlife Zimwenje, who remains at large.

The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on the 22 and 23 of August last month, during which a truck was captured on CCTV at the ZPC’s Turbine Hall loading stolen goods. The footage revealed that the loaded items included 15 electric motors, 48 tonnes of brass pipes, and a metal container. Notably, the loading occurred without proper documentation, raising immediate red flags for investigators.

Ruth Chiyani, who serves as a Loss Control Assistant, is accused of overseeing the illegal loading but failed to provide any invoices to justify the movement of the company’s assets.

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Tawanda Mhaka, acting as the Stores Officer, allegedly instructed a boilermaker to cut an electric motor and a storage container into smaller pieces to facilitate their loading onto the haulage trucks.

The stolen goods were reportedly transported using trucks hired by Zimwenje, further complicating the network of theft. Both Mhaka and Chiyani were arrested last week , following a comprehensive investigation that revealed substantial evidence against them, including CCTV footage and removal authority documents signed by the defendants.

“According to investigators, the evidence against them is substantial, including CCTV footage and removal authority documents signed by the pair. The pair was remanded to the 26th of September.”the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.

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