This project produces gas that can be used by households using cow dung and water. Biodigestors also assist to mitigate climate change and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.
The process begin with putting a mixture of water and cow dung into a mixing tank every morning. The mixture then goes into the dome where fermentation takes place. The product of fermentation is biogas which goes into the house through the connection of pipes to feed the stove, which is used for the day to day domestic needs in the house. The sludge of what is not needed in the process goes into a storage outlet and is then used as compost.
The cost for the pilot project was R800 – thousand, and it began with training of 16 people from the EPWP who assisted with building the structure. To ensure that the biodigester(s) works without any challenges, CDM retained a few of the trainees, to monitor and assist with technical assistance.
“This biodigester project come in very handy during loadshedding and helps in saving money that is meant for electricity,” Johanna Makaepea (one of the beneficiaries) said.