By Lungile Moyo
Bulawayo has sought to maximize land use by building solar farms at cemeteries across the city.
The idea was proposed during a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Review and Preparation of the Bulawayo Master Plan (2019-2034).
The general principles of the arrangement have already been agreed to according to the Acting Director for Town Planning, Mr Wisdom Siziba.
Siziba said the idea is in line with global efforts to come up with land management strategies harmonising multiple goals.
“Bulawayo City Council, through its Town Planning Department proposed a policy that will see the multiple use of land through solar farms built over the City’s cemeteries.
“(This is) driven by the concept of sustainable land management which is a key pillar in Agenda 21’s goal of sustainable development.”
What Is The Idea
Sustainable land management is the use of land to meet changing human needs.
However, Siziba said before implementation the project would be advertised for Expression of Interest.
“Please note that that this does not constitute reuse of the land.
“However, it is the utilization of the space above the graves without disturbing the peace of our fallen relatives”, he said.
He further highlighted that the solar panels would be located at a reasonable height above ground level.
This will allow free movement of people underneath without interfering with the panels.
“The general public would have unlimited access to the cemetery site.
“The investors would maintain the grave sites and the solar panels will provide shelter for the deceased.
“This will make Bulawayo’s grave sites an attractive place to visit lost loved ones.
“(It also) presents an excellent opportunity to make a statement on how we choose to let go of life as well as how we choose to live,” he said.
This model takes into consideration the high demand and inelasticity of supply of land globally.
Besides the benefit of an aesthetically pleasing grave site this will generate considerable clean energy for residents.
