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Zimbabwe eyes more solar water heaters as power grid struggles

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BY LUNGELO NDHLOVU

People in Zimbabwe are used to taking cold baths during lengthy power cuts, but Cosmas Ndlovu’s new home means his family are among the fortunate few who can enjoy hot water at all hours.

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When the 48-year-old built his house in the southern African nation three years ago, he had to include a rooftop solar water heater to comply with a 2019 law that banned the installation of electric heaters in buildings.

While the father-of-five said the 150-litre-capacity heater – which directly absorbs the sun’s warmth to heat water – was expensive, at the equivalent of about U.S. $410, he believed that it had proved a worthwhile investment.

“Once the water is heated in the solar geyser, it takes two days before it cools down,” Ndlovu told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at his home in the Pelandaba West district, a newly established suburb not yet been connected to the grid.

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“Warm water never runs out. I can have a hot bath even in the middle of the night,” added Ndlovu, who has installed three solar panels as well to power his lights, television, stove and refrigerator.

As Zimbabwe’s grid struggles with increased electricity demand, including as new housing projects are added, the government is emphasising the need for renewable energy and for thermal solar water heaters in homes and buildings.

Zimbabwe has in the past endured severe electricity blackouts – known locally as load shedding – that last up to 18 hours as a result of drought reducing dam levels at its main hydropower plant and breakdowns of coal-fired generators.

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While Zimbabwe is on a drive to boost solar power – to cut electricity import costs and combat climate change – renewable suppliers, energy experts and builders warn that the expense of putting such systems into place is a barrier to their use.

Lawrence Mashungu, a climate change expert at the ministry of environment, water and climate, said the government was not offering funds for people to install solar heaters but “was providing advice” about their cost-saving merits.

Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Energy Gloria Magombo, however, said the government was considering subsidies for new housing developments that adopt solar water heaters as well as a program that would see banks provide loans to install them.

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“Already, most new housing developments have adopted solar water heaters, which is very positive,” she said in an interview.

The nation has a target of installing at least 250,000 solar water heaters in old and new buildings by 2030. The government said it had no data on how many were in place currently.

Under the 2019 law, new buildings that do not have solar water heaters cannot be connected to the grid, and offenders can face a fine and up to a year in prison.

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Zimbabwe has an installed electric capacity of about 2,000 megawatts (MW), with Kariba hydropower dam producing over half of that energy, according to its president.

Coal plants and imported power from Mozambique and South Africa provide much of the rest of the country’s electricity, with coal capacity growing.

But renewable power also has a role to play, with the government having vowed to cut its energy-related emissions by about a third by 2030, mainly by boosting investment in hydropower and solar power.

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It has set a target to generate at least 2,100 MW of clean energy by the end of the decade, of which 75% would come from solar, according to the country’s 2019 renewable energy policy.

Import duties have been removed from solar-energy-related projects, while Magombo said the government was supporting local manufacturing of heat-absorbing rooftop water heaters and promoting their benefits.

Ultimately, the use of the technology should reduce household energy consumption by 20-40%, the official added.

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The government also said last month it is implementing a net metering system, whereby people whose homes have rooftop solar panels can sell their excess energy to the national grid.

Abe Cambridge, chief executive of Sun Exchange, a South African renewable energy start-up that works in the region, said solar water heaters, like rooftop panel systems, can significantly reduce electricity costs and transform lives.

“For under-served communities with no previous access to warm water except by heating water in pots, this technology is life-changing,” he said.

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Hawkflight Construction, a company based in Bulawayo, said the solar water heaters were an extra expense for buyers at a time when the cost of building houses was already rising – but he emphasised the longer-term benefits of the technology.

“(There is) only a cost at the implementation stage, but thereafter it is a lifetime benefit,” said Martin Moyo, the land developing and building firm’s operations manager.

Pelandaba West resident and civil servant Nhlalwenhle Mqhawana said she had not been able to afford her $400 heater outright and was instead paying for it in monthly installments.

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But the 39-year-old said her family had since saved about $20 a month as they no longer had to pay for gas cylinders to heat water.

In mid-July, Zimbabwe’s state-owned power utility warned there would be an increase in blackouts due to high demand for electricity and import constraints.

But the power cuts are of no concern to Ndlovu’s family.

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“My household doesn’t know what load shedding is because my entire home is connected to a powerful solar system which is running the refrigerator, television and the stove,” he said. – Thomson Reuters Foundation

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In the community

Matabeleland North launches $250K fundraising campaign against drug abuse

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

In a decisive move to address the escalating problem of drug and substance abuse, the government of has initiated a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province with a target of $250 000.

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The event will take place today at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, focusing on raising funds and awareness to support youth rehabilitation efforts in the region.

Richard Moyo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, is spearheading this initiative.

In a recent interview with VicFallsLive, he emphasized the critical need for this campaign, stating, “The rise in drug and substance abuse among our youth is a major concern. We have seen children lose their lives and future because of addiction. This fundraising effort is essential to provide them with the help they need.”

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Moyo addressed the need for government intervention, explaining that the cabinet committee on drug and substance abuse has taken significant steps to confront this crisis. “The committee has appointed chairpersons in each of the ten provinces to coordinate efforts against substance abuse. We must act now before the problem escalates further,” he added.

The background of drug abuse in Zimbabwe indicates a troubling pattern. Research shows a significant rise in substance use, particularly among unemployed youth and school dropouts. Moyo noted, “Many of our children are resorting to these substances as a way to cope with their circumstances. They often end up living on the streets, where they are exposed to even harsher realities. We want them to be occupied, and we will build rehab centers and hire people who will help them to quit the addiction because this is more common amongst the 2K children.”

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Moyo called on local businesses and organizations to support the campaign. “We are appealing to all companies, particularly hotels and businesses in our province, to join us in this fight. Together, we can create a supportive environment for our children. Our president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, launched a nationwide initiative two months ago, and now, it’s time for Matabeleland North to take action,” he said.

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Moyo further elaborated on the fundraising goal, stating that the $250 000 will be directed towards establishing rehabilitation centers and hiring experienced therapists. “These facilities will offer a second chance to those battling addiction. Our youth deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he emphasized.

Despite acknowledging that Matabeleland North’s drug problem may not be as severe as in other provinces, Moyo maintained that the issue is still significant, particularly in urban areas. “Here, we see children turning to drugs like marijuana, often sold by those who exploit their vulnerability. We must protect our children and provide them with the support they need to thrive,” he concluded.

The community’s response to this fundraising campaign will be pivotal in shaping a positive future for the youth of Matabeleland North, offering hope and resources for recovery and reintegration into society.

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Hwange

Government launches fundraising campaign to combat drug and substance abuse in Mat North

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to tackle the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, the  government has launched a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province.

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The event, scheduled to take place on Friday, at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, aims to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives combating drug and substance abuse in the region.

Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, is expected to be the guest of honour at the event, while Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland North, will host the gathering.

Background: Zimbabwe’s Growing Drug Abuse Epidemic

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Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing drug abuse epidemic, particularly among its youth. According to recent reports, more than 43% of adolescents and young adults used drugs in 2017, increasing to nearly 45% in 2018 and over 57% by 2019.

The most commonly abused drugs in Zimbabwe include codeine, methamphetamine (crystal meth), glue, bronclee, solvents, chlorpromazine, mangemba, cane spirit, cocaine, and cannabis/marijuana.

Globally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that 3.5% to 5.7% of persons between the ages of 15 and 64, or between 155 and 250 million people, used illicit drugs at least once in 2013. This number increased to 296 million in 2023, representing a 23% global increase in people using illicit drugs.

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In Zimbabwe, the problem is compounded by acute socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and mental health issues. The ease of access to drugs and porous borders also contribute to the growing problem, researchers note.

 

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In the community

Chief Mvutu installation underway

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District is bracing for a historic event today as Chief Mvutu is officially installed as the new substantive chief.

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The installation ceremony, which comes eleven years after the passing of Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s father in 2014, is featuring speeches, entertainment, and traditional greetings.

According to the programme, the ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests.

The event will feature speeches by various dignitaries, including Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.

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Other highlights of the ceremony include the investiture of Chief Mvutu, the paying of allegiance by village heads, and the presentation of gifts.

The installation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the district’s history, bringing to an end a protracted dispute over the chieftainship.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and residents from across the district.

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