Zimbabwe: #3xRenewables for access to clean water, improved health and education

In the small community of Epworth, rural Zimbabwe, access to clean water was scarce. It was difficult for the people to fulfil their most basic needs.

Families struggled to find water to wash themselves and were forced to drink and cook with contaminated water from the wells. All of this put their health at risk for the longest time.

In the community’s primary school, students often came in thirsty and hungry, especially during the drier months.

Lack of hydration and nutrition led many of them to leave school mid-day, disrupting their learning.

But everything changed when solar panels were installed and a water borehole was constructed in the school.

Using electricity generated by the solar panels, the clean water is pumped directly from the ground through the borehole. Pumped water is then stored in the tanks raised on the school ground, ready for consumption.

Now that the school gains reliable, sustainable access to clean water, the community works further to improve the students’ nutrition.

Women in the community help through a feeding programme, cooking meals for the kids with the clean water. Moreover, they can now make sure all cooking pots, dishes and tableware are always clean.

With improved nutrition and well-being, students stay in school for the day and actively participate in the learning processes.

“Our children now come daily to school and continue their studies,” says one of the teachers.

The constant, excess supply allows the school to share the clean water with the community. Over 3000 people can now use clean water to drink, cook and wash, extending the multiple benefits of the solar-powered borehole installation.

This is a story of how a simple renewable energy solution can improve people’s daily lives. Enhanced water security leads to health benefits, enabling students to continue with their education, and empowering the community further.

Find out more about unlocking the benefits of energy transition and the #3xRenewables – for the planet and its people campaign.