Arab Minch University, Sahay Solar Association Africa and Gamo Gofa Zone Administrative office in a recently held meeting to evaluate progress of 3-year project that started on 14th April, 2015, expressed satisfaction and vowed to keep cooperation intact to further electrify remaining 35 health centres in Gamo Gofa Zone as project got overwhelming support from community. Click here to see the pictures.
The joint venture between AMU, Sahay Solar Association Africa, University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland and Gamo Gofa Zone Administrative office has impacted lives around Gamo Gofa Zone through improved health services as till date 15 health centres have been electrified.
At the outset, AMU team chairman, Mr Zelalem Girma, in his progress report informed that 15 health centres have been electrified and surplus power is being sold to villagers to generate income and demand for the same is on the rise.
He said successful cooperation between all stakeholders has set a precedent in this region. However, challenges like low awareness, lack of audio-visual equipment, frequent change of school officials and battery replacement needs to be tackled. He asked for advanced solar and photo voltaic (PV) training for local staff. He informed that three PV systems to be installed as models, one will be at electrical laboratory, AMU and two at Zonal Bureau.
Giving financial account, he said till date, total expenditure that includes transportation, custom, installation, maintenance and overhead cost went up to ETB 3 Million; of which, Sahay Solar has contributed € 300000 (ETB 6900000), AMU shelled out ETB 1640000 on custom duty and Gamo Gofa Zonal Administration contributed ETB 1700000.
Gamo Gofa Zone’s Chief Administrator, Mr Esayas Endrias, expressing gratitude said, ‘‘We value your support for changing lives of people, it’s encouraging, and we will continue to support this project,’’ and regarding sanitation, he assured every possible contribution in future.
Deputy Administrator, Mr Teferi Abate, addressing the gathering said Gamo Gofa Zone has 2.6 Million population, which includes, 482 kebeles (110 on national grid), 70 health centres, 8 Primary Hospitals and 900 schools. So whatever achieved, is significant and zone will continue to support the project and will remain open for future collaboration for people’s welfare.
Chairman of Sahay Solar Association, Germany, Mr Max Pohl, expressed his satisfaction for fruitful cooperation between stakeholders for electrification of health centres. And apart from evaluating progress, we intend to plan the next step, he said..
He informed 5 kilowatt solar system at AMU’s PV laboratory building is being installed. This standardized system, he adds can be maintained and installed elsewhere by people here, as it will serve as a model object. And next week, Advanced-Solar training for senior students and staff of Electrical Engineering is planned that can be practically applied across Ethiopia.
He revealed AMU’s inter-disciplinary group is developing a concept for community centre for villages to facilitate water, electricity etc. The field visit to Dambile village in this regard has already been done, kick-off meeting held and in future pilot project is likely to be launched.
Vice President for Research and Community Service, Dr Guchie Gulie, giving a lowdown on project with Sahay Solar Association said that AMU started small project with them to electrify schools that later took a bigger shape. On maintenance, he said, AMU will incorporate the component of maintenance in curriculum so that university graduates acquire appropriate skills and knowledge to address emerging problems all across.
On emerging demand of water pumping system, participants unanimous decided to start a small pilot project in future which was seconded by Mr Max Pohl suggesting the usage of left-over budget from ongoing solar light installation and assured possible cooperation.
Some AMU officials, chairman of Sahay Solar Association, Switzerland, Mr Ruedi Tobler, Alexandra Kellermann, Roger Buser, Felix Knobel, Francoise Lebet and others were in attendance.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)