The Urban Development Corporation (UDCORP) has adopted modern bio-digester technology as the sewer management solution for Phase One of the Knockmalock Housing Project in Chegutu, marking a significant shift toward sustainable urban infrastructure development in Zimbabwe.
The Knockmalock Housing Project is one of UDCORP’s flagship mixed-density developments, comprising high-density, medium-density, and low-density residential areas.
It is also part of the corporation’s broader efforts to modernise housing delivery and improve urban living standards through environmentally friendly infrastructure systems.
Speaking during a tour of the project on Friday, UDCORP chief executive officer Joey Shumbamhini said the bio-digester technology forms part of an integrated infrastructure development programme that includes roads, water systems, sewer reticulation, and other supporting services.
For Phase One, which will accommodate approximately 700 households, the corporation deliberately moved away from the conventional sewer-pond system in favour of the more sustainable bio-digester model.
“This decision was informed by a deliberate strategic vision to position UDCORP as a leader in green urban development and sustainable infrastructure solutions in Zimbabwe.
“For many years, traditional sewer systems have been the standard model across most urban developments in our country. However, traditional sewer ponds are expensive to construct, expensive to maintain, land-intensive, environmentally risky, and vulnerable to pollution challenges when not properly managed,” Shumbamhini said.
He noted that ageing sewer infrastructure in several urban centres across Zimbabwe has contributed to environmental degradation, water contamination, unpleasant odours, and public health concerns.
Shumbamhini said the project aligns with several global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13 on climate action.
“Across the world, countries are increasingly prioritising green infrastructure solutions because the future of urbanisation depends on sustainability. At UDCORP, we are proud to be part of that transformation. We believe Zimbabwe should not merely follow global trends, but must become part of the innovators shaping sustainable urban development in Africa.”
According to feasibility studies conducted for the project, implementing the bio-digester system will cost approximately 15 percent of what would be required to establish a conventional sewer system for the same phase.
Shumbamhini said the adoption of bio-digester technology could help local authorities address growing sewer management challenges while supporting the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda and the National Development Strategy 2 through sustainable and modern urban development initiatives.
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