Zimpapers Logo

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Reporter
Harare City Council wants a methane power plant at its Firle Works with capacity to generate four megawatts daily, saving the municipality up to US$280 000 in electricity bills annually. Harare water director Engineer Christopher Zvobgo said the project was on course with installation of a grit removal system and rehabilitation of digesters.

He said the city would use the power to run Firle Sewer Treatment Plant.
“It will also lead to reduced air pollution as the methane gas produced will be used to generate power rather than being discharged into the atmosphere,” said Eng Zvobgo.

“Admittedly, council has contributed in a major way to pollution of the water sources due to its failing waste water management infrastructure. Council is, however, in the process of refurbishing its treatment works with 70 percent of capacity having been restored at the Firle Sewage Treatment works.”

Eng Zvobgo said the city had conducted major sewer pipe replacement and upgrades at the Firle and Crowborough plants via a China Export-Import Bank loan.
“The city targets to replace and upgrade all stream crossings along the outfall sewers,” he said.

Eng Zvobgo said both the city and business should adopt measures to curb discharge of effluent into rivers and streams feeding Harare’s major dams.