By Heather Claris Buzuzi
CHIPINGE — A solar mini-grid project in Hakwata, Chipinge, is transforming access to electricity, water and livelihoods while helping the rural community reduce its reliance on firewood and strengthen its resilience to climate change.
The development was highlighted on 17 September 2026 at Hakwata Clinic in Hakwata Village, Chipinge, during a visit to the community to showcase the impact of climate adaptation interventions under the Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP).
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders, CAWEP is funded by the United Kingdom Government and focuses on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities through integrated water and energy interventions.
The Hakwata intervention has extended access to clean and reliable electricity to households, businesses and public institutions, while supporting complementary initiatives such as solar-powered water systems, biogas, irrigation and income-generating activities.
Hakwata villager Ndaizivei Makuyana said the project had particularly benefited women and girls by reducing the time spent on household chores and improving access to water and cleaner energy.
“The project has benefited women greatly, particularly by improving access to water and reducing the challenges associated with fetching firewood. The use of biogas and electricity has also helped reduce deforestation and environmental degradation. As women, we have benefited significantly, while the girl child now has more time to concentrate on schoolwork,” Makuyana said.
The availability of electricity has also enabled households and small businesses to extend their activities beyond daylight hours, creating opportunities for improved household incomes and local economic activity.
Residents said improved water supplies had reduced the distance women and girls previously travelled to access water, allowing them more time for education and income-generating activities.
The adoption of biogas has further reduced dependence on firewood, helping to ease pressure on surrounding forests and contributing to cleaner cooking.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said the Hakwata project demonstrated the importance of addressing climate-related challenges through integrated interventions.
“Climate adaptation works best when water, energy, livelihoods, finance and institutions are addressed together,” Odusola said.
He said the programme’s lasting impact should be measured not only through infrastructure established, but also through the resilience and opportunities created within communities.
“Adaptation must be integrated. Water without energy is insufficient. Infrastructure without finance is unsustainable. Technology without community ownership cannot endure,” Odusola said.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said climate change should be treated as a national development issue rather than solely an environmental concern.
“There is no development without electricity and water,” Ndlovu said, adding that she had seen both at Hakwata.
She said government was ready to upgrade rural areas through the National Development Strategy frameworks and pointed to emerging industries in the community.
CAWEP has been supporting vulnerable communities through interventions targeting water security, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking and livelihood development.
The Hakwata project demonstrates how decentralised renewable-energy infrastructure can be linked to water security, agriculture, education, women’s empowerment and environmental conservation.
The project, which started in 2023, is scheduled to run until 30 November 2026, with its sustainability expected to depend on continued community ownership, maintenance of infrastructure and the expansion of economic opportunities created through the intervention.