By Chrispen Tabvura| Zimbabwe must introduce bio-gas power stations by draining the human waste from the dead people’s bodies, the Youth Assembly of Zimbabwe’s Shephard Dube, has said in a presentation that left all the Cop21 workshop participants stunned.
The man who went on to address a shocked crowd, also suggested the idea will create land for accommodation rather than burial space.
“I think it’s high time that we, Zimbabweans emulate Muslims. They drain their copses before cremating them.
The idea is so professional and saves land for future housing rather than burial,” said Dube.
Though a good number of workshop participants remained in disbelief after Dube’s sentiments, Mrs Doreen Khupe of Tsholotsho concurred with the him saying if this can be a success, load shading would never return to Zimbabwe.
“This is a brilliant idea young man. I think you need to seek funding and also get government support on this project. However, you must also negotiate for more waste from the council authorities so that you can boost the bio-gas power station by adding with raw sewage from the council pipes,” she added.
However, Sithokozile Sibanda, a National University of Science and Technology Media studies student opposed. “I think this will need consultations with traditional leaders and the community, as it will create conflict,” she said.
Another youth, Luck Sibanda stood by Dube saying, “We are living in a dynamic world that need innovation and seriousness. If Muslims drain their dead before burial to remove the waste, why then can we not utilize that bio-gas material from the dead? We need action here. This will save land and create energy that is climate friendly,” he added.
Zimbabwe’s power company, ZESA has been facing problems in the distribution of electricity, hence the idea to supplement the power shortages with bio-gas.