University graduate invents cheaper alternative source of fuel for irrigation pumps.

Tatenda Mkandawire

A 25 year old local young man in Nkayi, who is running a small scale vegetable farming project and is also a NUST (National University of Science and Technology) graduate has made a breakthrough invention of  his own prototype machine that uses waste biomass (dung, wood or farm waste) to create energy for running an irrigation engine, hence eliminating the need for petrol or diesel.

Fortune Mswathi Donga, who has a great affinity for technology and a gargantuan appetite for scientific expeditions told community podium that he used a few scrap metals which he combined with several mechanical pieces which he purchased to make his novel machine that converts any kind of biomass usually termed as ‘waste material’ into a fuel by means of gasification, a chain of reactions that convert biomass into combustible gas. For the past month, he and his family have been successfully using this machine to power  their irrigation pump at Nkayi Centre.

Donga highlighted that his field of study has made him realize that there is a lot people can do to reduce pollution and expenditure in any field, hence he decided to create easier means of producing energy for his project. 

“Fuels are now expensive and they are polluting our world. I only realized that I can get more from less resources by creating my own means of production. The machine uses plant and animal matter which is fed into  a chamber that heats up ad catalyses reactions that convert the matter into gases that are then filtered and cooled. The cooled gases are then channeled by pipes into an engine cylinder to produce energy. The end products in this machine are char and ash and these can then be used on soils to improve fertility.” said Donga. 

Donga is using this home-made machine in his irrigation project at Nkayi Centre but he is yet to present his machine to the National University of Science and Technology for assessment and approval. He is appealing for funds to improve his work and also make large scale machines that can be introduced in the agricultural field.

Asked on his future plans and aspirations, Donga said, “I grew up in a family with a mechanics workshop in Nkayi centre and I would watch my father making stuff from scrap so I am not new to this field. I  believe I can make a difference in both my community and the field despite location and background. With enough support, I would love to work with other people in developing Zimbabwean products that can reduce financial strains as well as improve our development as a region and country. I am yet to present this to NUST. I need  funds to improve and develop my gadget.”

Speaking to his Former high school teacher, a Nkayi resident who also witnessed this machine at work, Mr Nkanyisio Ngwenya, a biology teacher at Hlangabeza High School, pointed out that it was not a surprise that Donga could create such gadgets since his father owns a mechanical workshop and he used to be part of the science exhibition team at Hlangabeza High School in Nkayi every year.

“He [Fortune] deserves all the credit for what he does as he is an intelligent young man who just needs the right recognition and positioning, I am not surprised at all and I am happy for him. This machine is just the beginning of his great works.” said an elated Ngwenya.