Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has launched a renewable energy initiative that will see solar power systems installed at its water treatment plants, cash offices, and other facilities.
The move is aimed at improving service delivery, cutting costs, and enhancing customer convenience.
ZINWA operates 534 water supply stations across the country, most of which depend on electricity from the national grid.
In a statement, ZINWA head of corporate communications and marketing, Marjorie Munyonga, said the adoption of solar power aligns with their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, which emphasize clean and sustainable energy.
“This development will markedly reduce ZINWA’s energy costs and improve operational efficiency, while also helping mitigate the impact of load shedding on water supply stations and cash offices.
“The intention is to have water supply stations on solar and off-grid for most of the day, with hydro-electricity only acting as backup during the night or in cloudy weather. As for water treatment plants, the intention is to have water supply stations on solar and off-grid for the better of the day with hydro-electricity only acting as backup power for pumping during the night or in cloudy weather when solar power may not be adequate,” she said.
A Proof of Concept is already underway at the Murehwa Water Supply station, where a 248 Kilowatt solar system has been installed to support its 200 cubic metres per hour capacity. Another pilot will be conducted at Mutoko before the model is extended nationwide.
Munyonga noted that power shortages have forced many plants to operate below capacity, reducing production and pumping hours.
In addition, ZINWA has begun migrating 100 diesel-powered water supply stations to solar, a move expected to boost water output while lowering production costs.
The authority has also successfully converted 33 cash offices to full solar operation, including those in Chivhu in Mashonaland East province, Bulawayo, Rusape in Manicaland, Gokwe in ther Middle East, Zaka in Masvingo, and several other centres.
New Ziana