The ManicaPost
Green Fuel has a robust Corporate Social Responsibility programme that is immensely benefitting the local community. The program has been coined ‘Vimbo — Hope for a better future’ in recognition of the need to inspire hope in the community of Chisumbanje and the surrounding villages.
Through Vimbo, the Company has introduced a portfolio of community projects, all of which have been constructed around the principle of sustainable development through irrigation farming, entrepreneurial projects, education and social service infrastructure rehabilitation.
The hallmark of Green Fuel’s CSR portfolio is the over 1,100ha of Community Irrigation Schemes and Outgrower Schemes developed by the company
At the inception of the project Green Fuel made a commitment to develop 10% of all land under sugarcane in Chisumbanje for the community. To date, over 1,100ha of land has been developed for the community. 600ha of this is farmed by outgrower farmers producing sugarcane and the remaining 500ha consists of irrigated plots, benefitting 1,000 families. The water is pumped year-round at the cost of the company, ensuring consistent availability of water in an area that receives very little rainfall and, as a result, each farmer can produce up to three cash crops per year.
As the sugarcane estates continue to expand, the company will continue to honour its undertaking by developing further land for the community, with 200-300ha planned for this year.
The Company’s other current, noteable projects include:
A sewing workshop which is run by a group from the local community, producing worksuits and uniforms for the Company and the surrounding schools;
A library and technology centre, opened in partnership with Old Mutual to provide the local students and community members with computer lessons and access to the internet and books;
Three community-run kitchens which feed the staff in the factory and throughout the two sugarcane estates;
A project producing reusable sanitary pads for girls in the local schools;
A bee-keeping project being run by a group of 10 ladies from the community;
A number of broiler projects;
A fencing project being run by a group of ladies from the community, making fencing from used tyres;
Rehabilitation of local roads and continuous road safety campaigns and support;
Drilling of boreholes;
Reforestation of the area through the Company’s tree nursery; and
Continuous support to the local schools, clinics and hospitals.
With plans to grow its CSR portfolio as the company expands, Green Fuel continues to lead the way in facilitating sustainable development through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
