The dark light: Zimbabwe’s energy nightmare

Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Burning briquettes: Brenda Sibanda, a firewood and charcoal vendor, is one of many local residents who supply to households across Bulawayo.

For years, Zimbabwe has experienced significant power shortages largely due to lack of investment in energy generation infrastructure, with the situation changing following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to power in 2017. Experts worry that if this situation is not averted, the country will lose a huge chunk of land to deforestation. According to the country’s forestry regulator, the Forestry Commission, about 330,000 hectares of forestry cover is being lost each year.

Pathetic penalties: Forestry Commission Chief Forester, Armstrong Tembo, said that more needs to be done to curb illegal logging than simply fine offenders. Photo: Nkosana VumaTembo said it has become increasingly difficult to arrest some of the illegal loggers because they “innovate” to evade the law by constantly changing their strategies.

Illegal loads: Law enforcement regularly impounds trucks found to be carrying illegally manufactured charcoal across the country. Photo: Nkosana VumaAnother hotspot for the illegal charcoal business is Hwange, mostly due to its proximity to the Hwange National Park and Hwange Colliery mines. “People are even bringing chainsaws and quite a lot of undesired methods are being used to cut down the trees,” he said.

Hard times: Loveness Ncube and other charcoal makers say their livelihoods take preference over environmental issues. Photo: Nqobile TshilDaniel Sithole, the executive director of Hwange-based Green Shango Environmental Trust, said more needs to be done to stop deforestation in the town and beyond.

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