Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has warned communities in Beitbridge against the indiscriminate cutting down of trees, particularly mopane trees, saying the practice is threatening the environment and the survival of the region’s prized amacimbi.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Tshitulipasi Solar Mini-Grid and 25 biogas digesters in Beitbridge, Moyo said communities must embrace clean energy alternatives to reduce dependence on firewood and protect the district’s natural resources.
“We should preserve our trees which give us these nice things which we call Amacimbi,” Moyo said, noting that continued deforestation would not only degrade the environment but also jeopardise livelihoods that depend on mopane woodlands.
He said the introduction of biogas technology offers a practical solution by reducing the need for households to rely on firewood for cooking.
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“So that you do not have to look for firewood, so that you preserve the trees,” he said, encouraging communities to work towards installing biogas systems in every homestead.
The minister also urged schools and households to adopt biogas, saying teachers would no longer spend valuable teaching time collecting firewood and could instead concentrate on improving learners’ academic performance.
He also encouraged families with sufficient livestock to participate in the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) biogas programme, explaining that households with at least eight cattle qualify to work with the agency to install biogas digesters.
The minister called on various government ministries to support the expansion of biogas technology by training young people to construct digesters, mobilising women’s groups and educating schoolchildren about the benefits of clean cooking energy.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe expressed concern over the continued destruction of trees in the province, calling for stronger efforts to protect forests for future generations.
Moyo cited Tanzania as an example of a country that has made significant progress in promoting clean cooking technologies, saying Zimbabwe could achieve similar success through increased investment in renewable energy solutions.
He said wider adoption of biogas would help conserve forests, improve rural livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development while safeguarding the country’s natural environment.
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