Cooking up a storm - Congolese engineer turns organic waste into clean biogas amid global energy crisis

"In Goma, engineer Victor Materanya is transforming organic waste into clean biogas through his company, Umoja SARL, to provide a sustainable alternative, meeting energy needs and addressing waste management challenges. Footage captured on Wednesday shows Materanya working in the garden, collecting organic waste, and washing it to begin the processing. Materanya explained that the project grew from a personal challenge. As his pig farm expanded to over 20 head, waste management became a major hurdle, prompting him to research and eventually specialise in biodigester technology to repurpose the refuse. "We were able to call in experts from neighboring countries to implement our first six-cubic-meter biodigester [...] we also sought out training, and from that point on, we became autonomous," Materanya said. "Now, we specialise in this technology and can replicate it for other communities in need," he added. Grace Musito, a customer and resident, shared that she no longer struggles with waste management after having the biodigester. "[It] allows us to manage biodegradable waste and even animal waste to produce and renew the energy we use for cooking," she said. Environmental expert Jean-Pierre Chipashinda noted that biogas offers dual benefits by redirecting household spending from charcoal to other essentials while protecting maternal health from toxic firewood smoke, improving kitchen conditions, and curbing deforestation."

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