A biogas project provides a cheaper energy alternative for villagers. A Limpopo community project aimed at promoting socioeconomic development in rural areas by turning cow dung into biogas has helped to reduce high electricity fees for poor villagers. The Mpfuneko Solution Project in Gawula village near Giyani collects cow dung from local cattle owners and processes it into usable gas, which is sold to the locals at a low price. The project mostly benefits the unemployed and the poor people because they use gas stoves. This is safer than firewood, which they have to collect from the snake-infested bush. The project is also cost-effective: it operates in three houses that are in close proximity and use an unlimited supply of gas for a collective amount of R125,00.
The project also provides employment and skills to the local communities as 10 people are currently employed in the project so far. Cattle owners benefit by contributing cow dung in return for a 25% stake in the project. This project, if supported, has the potential to create employment on a large scale and to boost rural development, especially in areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
The ANC appeals to development finance institutions and businesses to mobilise investment in support of these kinds of projects, which have the potential to create sustainable employment and provide rural people ... I thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]