Communities in Traditional Authority Kasakula in Ntchisi District can now afford a smile following the installation of solar power systems in their homes and schools.
The project, implemented by Sunny Money, a social enterprise owned by United Kingdom-based charity Solar Aid, has connected 600 households and 10 primary schools to solar energy.
In an interview on Wednesday, Sunny Money general manager Brave Mhone said the initiative dubbed Light a Village Programme, seeks to help communities in hard-to-reach areas access sustainable energy.
He said: “Community members use the power for lighting and charging phones. Each customer pays K70 a day or K2 1oo a month through mobile money platforms such as Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba to access the solar power. “The response in good and we are planning to install 2000 power systems by September 2023.”
Solar Aid communications manager Haley Withers, expressed satisfaction with the initiative’s progress. “The organization’s vision is to have every home, school and clinic have access to light by 2030,” she said.
Ntchisi acting district education manager Hammex Malithano said the initiative will improve performance because Standard Eight learners will be able to study in the evening.
“Chokho Education Zone is the only area not yet connected to the national grid. Teachers, whose houses are also connected to the energy system, are able to prepare their lessons at night,” he said.
Senior Chief Kasakula said much as the project is benefiting communities in his area, he would like the cost to be reduced.
“K2 100 per month is on a higher to a person in the village. Again, it would have been better if it was pay per use,” he said.
The organization is implementing the project in all the country’s districts except Likoma. The initiative is also being implemented in Zambia and Senegal.
Source: The Nation_Thursday, September 8, 2022_by Pauline Kaude