Zimbabwe - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The WaterHive is a startup in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, addressing urban water challenges. With a focus on water, community, and resource management, it aims to create sustainable solutions for residents.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

The WaterHive is a dynamic startup based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, dedicated to addressing the pressing water challenges faced by urban communities. With a focus on three thematic areas—water, community and collaboration, and resource management—The WaterHive aims to create sustainable solutions that empower residents and promote water conservation. The WaterHive is committed to fostering a resilient and self-sufficient community in Bulawayo. By addressing water storage and gardening challenges, the startup aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote sustainable water management practices. The WaterHive envisions to be a leading force in water conservation and community empowerment, ensuring that every household in Bulawayo has access to adequate water storage and sustainable gardening solutions. The WaterHive is not just a startup; it is a movement towards a more sustainable and water-secure future for Bulawayo.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Bulawayo, in Natural Region 4, is characterised by low levels of rainfall causing severe water shortages increased by droughts induced by climate change. The city is currently on a 120-hour water shedding strategy, with homes receiving water for only 2 days a week. This situation has led to two interlinked problems: inadequate water storage and the decline of urban home gardening. The WaterHive addresses the issue of water shedding by providing affordable 200-litre and 210-litre drums for water harvesting. Many homes currently rely on 20-litre containers, which are insufficient for storing water during the limited supply days. This initiative is crucial as 7 out of 10 households in the community face water shortages and often resort to drawing water from boreholes. To combat the decline in urban home gardening due to water shortages, The WaterHive promotes the re-use of 2-litre plastic bottles for container gardening as this method requires less water and promotes recycling of plastics

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Empowering Communities with Sustainable Water Solutions through: 1. Affordable larger water storaging 2. Sustainable home gardening 3. Reusing of plastic bottles (waste) The WaterHive offers innovative and affordable water storage and gardening solutions to urban households in Bulawayo, addressing critical water shortages and promoting sustainable living. By providing larger water storage drums and promoting container gardening, The WaterHive ensures that households can efficiently harvest and conserve water, even during severe water shedding periods. Our solutions not only alleviate the immediate water crisis but also empower communities to maintain urban gardening practices, enhancing food security and resilience. With a focus on community collaboration and resource management, The WaterHive is committed to fostering a water-secure and self-sufficient future for Bulawayo.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

1. Urban Households in Bulawayo: Families and individuals facing water shortages due to the city's 120-hour water shedding strategy. High density households that rely on inadequate 20-litre containers for water storage and need larger, affordable solutions. This group is important as they are not permitted by the city's bylaws to drill private boreholes and/or have 5000litre tanks connected with the mains. 2. Urban Gardeners: Residents interested in urban home gardening but struggling due to water scarcity. Individuals looking for sustainable and water-efficient gardening methods, such as container gardening. 3. Community Groups and Organizations: Local community groups focused on water conservation and sustainable living. NGOs and non-profits working on urban development, water management, and food security. 4. Local Businesses: Businesses that can benefit from partnerships or sponsorships with The WaterHive for branding and marketing opportunities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-25

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

The owner/founder is Melinkosi Melton Dube, a 29 year old male. He is a passionate water conservation enthusiast, a graduate engineer with a Bachelor in Engineering Honours Degree in Civil and Water Engineering from NUST. He is also a former employee at the Bulawayo City Council as a Water and Sanitation Engineer. Melinkosi is also a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Advocacy Council supported by REPSSI and USAID which seeks to identify, nurture and support young entrepreneurs while creating a youth-led entrepreneurship ecosystem. Partners in the startup are Vuyo Ndlovu, an expert in sales and Bahle Gumbo, a niece to Melinkosi, a young and vibrant female fighter fighter, running the marketing aspect of the startup. She has been crucial as she has been present with vital support from the onset.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinkosi-melton-dube-90660a148?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By providing affordable water storage solutions and promoting urban gardening, The WaterHive helps reduce household expenses on water and food, contributing to poverty alleviation. Long term impacts of water conservation have also a big contribution to the socioeconomic aspect of a community.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The container gardening initiative enhances food security by enabling households to grow their own vegetables even with a limited water supply thus contributing to the zero hunger goal.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Access to clean water and fresh produce from urban gardens improves the overall health and well-being of the community. The high rise of cholera and diarrhoea cases in the city have been attributed to the lack of access to clean water for communities. Access of this precious resource averts these ills in the community. Due to lack of access to safe water, some vegetable growers have been utilising sewer water from burst sanitation pipes to grow vegetables causing diseases to their markets. A safer alternative gardening method, requiring less water has an impact therefore in securing the health and well-being of the community.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The WaterHive conducts workshops and trainings on water conservation and sustainable gardening solutions, promoting lifelong learning and skill development for the current and future generations.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

By empowering women, who make up most of the urban gardeners, with knowledge and tools for water management and gardening, The WaterHive does promote gender equality and economic opportunities.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

The WaterHive directly addresses water scarcity by providing efficient water storage solutions, ensuring access to clean water for households.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

While not directly related to energy, efficient water management had long term gains on reduction of energy required for water treatment, pumping and distribution for the water utilities.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

The startup creates job opportunities in the production, distribution and maintenance of water storage drums and the container gardening kits contributing to decent work and economic growth of the community.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

The WaterHive fosters innovation in water storage and urban gardening, thus contributing to resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrial practices.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By providing affordable solutions to water and gardening challenges, The WaterHive helps reduce inequalities in access to essential resources. Households in the high density areas of Bulawayo are not permitted to drill boreholes and install Jojo (5000l) tanks by the city's bylaws, because of the smaller residential stand sizes. Due to the same, have limited space for gardening as well. The WaterHive therefore seeks to bridge the gap of inequality between these and the low density surburbs.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

The WaterHive promotes sustainable urban living by addressing water shortages and enhancing modern green spaces through container gardening.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

The WaterHive encourages the reuse of plastic bottles for gardening, promoting responsible consumption and waste reduction.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By promoting water conservation and sustainable gardening practices, The WaterHive contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Though indirectly, efficient water management reduces the strain on the depleting city's freshwater sources, benefitting aquatic ecosystems.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Container gardening initiative supports biodiversity and sustainable land use in urban areas.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

By fostering community collaboration and resilience, the startup contributes to social cohesion and stability.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

The WaterHive collaborates with the local city council, NGOs and other corporate partners to achieve its mission, exemplifying the power of partnerships in sustainable development.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

3

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Although water storage containers are readily available, most households either cannot afford the products or have learnt living with the problem as most people in our country do. There is a need to bring the solution to the people and also at an affordable price. Container Gardening is relatively new in my community with almost all households relying on conventional gardening which has since dilapidated due to water scarcity.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Water container suppliers are the main competitors. These have however focused mainly on supplying 5000l tanks for either commercial clients or low density households, thus sidelining the high density community in need of smaller affordable solutions which are more efficient than the common 20litre buckets.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes. I am currently part of an entrepreneurship council which has on its mandate, the responsibility of identifying and nurturing female entrepreneurs. On a personal level, I am supporting my niece, a 24 year old firefighter currently starting up commercial farming on our family's plot.