Thuli Lishongwe Project in Gwanda for Women in Land Zimbabwe by Gi Glo:
Empowering Women Through Sustainable Water and Irrigation Solutions – Thuli Lishongwe Project, Gwanda
Gi Glo is proud to have partnered with Women in Land Zimbabwe, a local non-governmental organization, to deliver a comprehensive water and irrigation solution for the Thuli Lishongwe Project in Gwanda. This initiative is focused on women empowerment through income-generating agricultural projects, aiming to uplift rural women by equipping them with the resources and infrastructure needed for successful commercial farming. The project involved a multi-faceted approach to establish a reliable, solar-powered water supply and irrigation system that supports large-scale cultivation over a 10-hectare area. Gi Glo was entrusted with the full scope of technical services and infrastructure delivery, including:
- Geological Water Survey and Borehole Drilling: A professional hydrogeological survey was conducted to identify suitable underground water sources. Based on these findings, boreholes were successfully drilled and cased at two sites, ensuring sustainable access to clean groundwater.
- Solar-Powered Pumping Systems: To facilitate efficient water delivery, Gi Glo supplied and installed:
- A 10HP solar-powered pressure pump, designed for high-flow water transfer across the farming plots.
- Two 5HP solar-powered submersible borehole pumps, ensuring consistent water extraction from both boreholes to support irrigation demands.
- Solar Power Infrastructure: Each site was equipped with a dedicated solar array comprising 20 x 345W Canadian Solar panels, mounted securely on ground-mounted frames. These panels provide clean, renewable energy to run the pumps independently of the unreliable national grid—eliminating interruptions due to load shedding.
- Sprinkler Irrigation System: A full 10-hectare sprinkler irrigation system was installed, providing even water distribution across the farming land. This system enhances water-use efficiency, reduces labor demands, and promotes higher crop yields.
- Lightning Protection: To safeguard all installed equipment and ensure long-term durability, a comprehensive lightning protection system was implemented at both sites.
This project not only delivers practical infrastructure for farming success but also contributes meaningfully to the economic empowerment of rural women. By providing sustainable access to water and energy, Gi Glo is helping women in Gwanda take control of their livelihoods and build a better future through agriculture.
