UNDP Launches Climate Adaptation Programme with Solar Plant in Hakwata Community   

By Rudo Mupatsi

In an important move to help the community handle climate change, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worked with local partners to start a climate adaptation programme in 2022. The programme's biggest success is a solar plant that began operating fully in 2024, providing much-needed energy to 87 households in the community.

The solar plant is a game-changer for the local community, powering irrigation boreholes and providing electricity for homes, businesses, and a primary school. In an interview with the Energy Committee Managing Director, Ambition Muziboyi, she stated that, "there are 416 solar panels and 48 batteries. The mini grid has up to 108 connections, 87 households are connected to the grid and 18 businesses, including a school and clinic."
Muziboyi went on to say, "This project was started in 2022 and was fully functional in May 2024. Our students are now learning about a lot of things through watching television, and they can now study at night and get help with their homework. Businesses can open for longer hours, generating more income and keeping the locals entertained."
This project shows how working together with the UNDP, local communities, and governments can help tackle the urgent problem of climate change. By choosing clean energy sources like solar power, communities can use less oil and gas, lessen the effects of climate disasters, and support long-term growth.
The programme's impact extends beyond electricity provision, as it also supports local economic growth, improves food security, and enhances the overall well-being of community members. This initiative serves as a model for other communities seeking to adapt to climate change and transition to a more sustainable future. By leveraging partnerships and innovative solutions, communities can build resilience and thrive in the face of climate-related challenges.

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