Sustainable energy: panacea for grassroot development

Lazarus Sauti

Expanding access to modern energy services is a critical element that will bring about political, economic, social and economic development in countries within and across the Southern African Development Community, especially for communities in marginalised rural areas.

Most rural communities in the region, without doubt, are characterised by limited access to these modern energy services with majority of the population heavily relying on the traditional energy sources and other fossil fuel for their primary energy sources.

Dwellers in these communities are, thus, exposed to respiratory ailments resulting from the continuous inhaling of obnoxious gases emitted from traditional energy sources. They are also vulnerable to domestic fire outbreaks which may lead not only to loss of lives but also properties.

Furthermore, the inability to access modern energy services has adverse impact on the health and water supply systems in these rural communities, and this is halting the socio-economic development in the SADC region.

This, therefore, calls for urgent attention in the energy sector. Meaning, achieving universal access to modern energy services should be central to development policies and strategies that include the United Nations Post 2015 Development Agenda if the regional bloc is to achieve sustainable energy for all and enhance its grassroot development.

Etiosa Uyigue, national programme coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme Global Environmental Facility, agrees and states that sustainable energy should be the core of sustainable development and the panacea for grassroot development.

“The use of sustainable energy products had the potential to increase the standard of living of the rural poor, cut greenhouse gas emissions, increase income into agricultural rural communities, thereby boosting the development of the rural areas and stimulate the general economic growth,” he says.

Within the framework of the Global Initiative of The Sustainable Energy for All, whose deadline is the year 2030; all SADC’s stakeholders in the energy sector must rethink and double their efforts in improving energy generation in the region as well as doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix so as to successfully improve the lives of the region’s citizenry.

“The integration of goals and strategies within the Global Initiative on Sustainable Energy For All programme is one sure way of enhancing economic productivity, decongest the national electricity grid and ultimately improve the quality of people’s lives,” notes Reginald Mapfumo, an energy expert.

SADC countries should embrace mini-hydro schemes and solar power projects in marginalised rural areas to effectively achieve the energy for all initiative. In Zimbabwe, for instance, Chipendeke and Himalaya micro hydro schemes and clean energy initiatives are recent successful schemes that have empowered rural communities to overcome social vistas.

The establishment of Chipendeke and Himalaya micro hydro schemes has resulted in sustainable management of natural resources as well as improved agricultural activities with market gardening having boosted the lives of the ordinary villagers.

The Himalaya project, to be specific, has brought more smiles to the women more than their male counterparts. “While they celebrate clean energy and lighting in their homes, a relief has been realised through the electrification of the Chipendeke Clinic where safe deliveries are now being recorded at the 24-hour maternity service thereby improving maternal health,” notes the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation.

SADC countries should follow suit and use mini hydropower stations and solar projects to transform the lives of rural communities.

However, delivering a better future for all requires action by all – Governments, corporations, citizens, consumers, workers, investors and educators. Undoubtedly, the private sector in the region has a central role to play, especially in independent power production and in adopting sustainable and socially responsible renewable energy strategies.

“As the world’s main source of economic activity, business is at the heart of virtually any widespread improvements in living standards,” concurs the United Nations Global Compact – a UN initiative to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation.

Governments should only help private sector players by creating conducive environments that not only attract potential investors but support and allow them to work freely without social as well as political hassles.

Recognising the importance of shared values, it is also critical for political and business leaders in the region to encourage the establishment of cooperative societies, improve access to funds for inclusive development and to create and diffuse solutions that will drive the changes the region needs.

Frankly, energy efficiency is vital for the SADC region to effectively transform its economic activities as well as leveraging the region’s diverse resources for inclusive development. Thus, leaders should strive to expand access to modern energy services as well as thrive to make corporate sustainability a transformative force in achieving a shared, secure and sustainable future.