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With GAC's support, Oxfam Canada is providing a multi-sectoral humanitarian response to drought-related needs in Zimbabwe. Project activities include the restoration of water points and sanitation facilities in drought-affected communities in Zimbabwe.

• Description of physical activity(ies) to be done

1. Solar powered piped water scheme: to reduce reliance on unsafe water due to water scarcity, distance travelled and time spent queuing for water, lowering the risk of SGBV for women and girls responsible for water collection, Oxfam will upgrade 6 existing boreholes into solar powered water supply systems. Constructing a solar-powered piped water scheme in rural Zimbabwe involves several physical activities, often adapted to the local context and resources:

1. Site Selection and Preparation: Identifying a suitable location and preparing the site by clearing vegetation and leveling the ground.
2. Manual Labor: Due to limited access to heavy machinery, much of the work is done manually, including digging trenches (30cm depth) and transporting materials.
3. Borehole capacity tests: The piped water schemes will be established on existing boreholes and capacity test will be carried out to determine yield and ensure sustainable extraction of the water
4. Installation of Solar Panels: Setting up solar panels to power the water pump, ensuring they are positioned to receive maximum sunlight.
5. Pump Installation: Installing the solar-powered pump to draw water from the borehole.
6. Piping and Distribution Network: Laying pipes to transport water from the borehole to various distribution points, such as taps and storage tanks.
7. Construction of Water Collection Points: Building water points, including taps and storage tanks, to ensure easy access to clean water for the community, some of which will be located within 100m of the tanks. Piped networks of more than 100m but less than a km will be done in areas where there is need to extend the network. An average of two 10000litre tanks are planned to be installed however the actual tanks will be determined by yield,number of people to be served and terrain.
8. Training and Capacity Building: Training local community members to operate and maintain the system, ensuring its sustainability.

2. Incinerator construction at rural health facilities: additionally, Oxfam will focus on mapping and improving solid waste management sites. This will include assessing solid waste management needs across community institutions and constructing and/or rehabilitating 2 incinerators at 2 community health centres. In rural areas of Zimbabwe, constructing incinerators involves several physical activities, often adapted to the local context and resources:

1. Site Selection and Preparation: Identifying a suitable location and preparing the site by clearing vegetation and leveling the ground.
2. Manual Labor: Due to limited access to heavy machinery, much of the work is done manually, including digging foundations and transporting materials.
3. Local Material Use: Utilizing locally available materials such as bricks, stones, and scrap metal for construction.
4. Foundation Laying: Digging trenches and laying the foundation using manual tools and basic equipment.
5. Structural Assembly: Building the framework of the incinerator using locally sourced materials and simple tools.
6. Installation of Components: Assembling the combustion chamber, waste feed system, and exhaust system, often with the help of local craftsmen.
7. Insulation: Applying locally available insulating materials to ensure the incinerator retains heat efficiently.
8. Testing and Commissioning: Conducting tests to ensure the incinerator is safe and functional before it is put into use.

• Description of structure(s)

1.Solar powered piped water schemes: the solar-powered piped water system in rural Zimbabwe will consist of several key components and processes:

1. Solar Panels: These capture sunlight and convert it into electricity to power the water pump. The quantity of the solar system will be determined by the borehole depth and the position of water tanks, total head(tdh). Some tanks might be positioned on natural platforms and this might increase the total head.
2. Water Pump: The solar-powered pump draws water from a borehole or well.
3. Storage Tank: The water is stored in a tank to ensure a steady supply, even when sunlight is not available.
4. Piping Network: Pipes transport water from the storage tank to various distribution points, such as taps and communal water points.
5. Distribution Points: These include taps and communal water points where community members can access clean water.
6. Control System: This manages the operation of the pump and ensures efficient use of the solar power.
7. Palisade fencing: as security and to restrict access of animals to the waterpoint.

These systems are designed to be sustainable and resilient, providing a reliable source of clean water to rural communities. They help reduce the burden on women and children who often have to travel long distances to fetch water.

2. Incinerators: an ash pit incinerator in rural Zimbabwe typically consists of several key components and processes designed to manage waste efficiently and sustainably:

1. Combustion Chamber: This is where waste is burned at high temperatures, reducing its volume and destroying harmful pathogens.
2. Air Supply System: Provides the necessary oxygen to maintain the combustion process.
3. Ash Removal System: Collects and removes the ash residue left after incineration.
4. Emission Control System: Reduces pollutants and harmful emissions released during the incineration process to minimize environmental impact.
5. Waste Feed System: Manages the feeding of waste into the combustion chamber, ensuring a steady and controlled process.

These incinerators help reduce the volume of waste and prevent environmental pollution. They are particularly beneficial in rural areas where waste management infrastructure is limited and not much waste is generated.

Description of the environment / site characterization.

 

The project will follow the national environmental legislation to guide activity implementation, this includes laws on forestry, water management, plant protection, public health and hygiene, agrarian reform, land ownership, disaster management, waste management, protected areas, biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

The environmental conditions of the project location in Zimbabwe are vulnerable to climate change impacts such as droughts, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity. In Zimbabwe, the project is implemented in Mberengwa District in the Midlands province, a semi-arid area with annual precipitation between 450 mm and 650 mm. The district frequently faces seasonal droughts and severe dry spells, affecting both water availability and agricultural activities. The predominant sandy loam soils support livestock and drought-resistant crops, though illegal mining activities have exacerbated land degradation and water contamination, particularly around critical water sources like rivers and boreholes. The water scarcity challenge is compounded by the long distances that communities must travel to access reliable water sources.

 

To ensure that the project activities do not adversely affect the environment, the project teams will use the Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool (NEAT+). This tool will help identify environmental risks and guide the formulation of mitigation plans based on baseline data collection and community consultation.