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BACKGROUNDÜ In December 2010 ZRW Mechanika signed a contract with the EEP&SA Program—Energy Environment Program for Southern Africa for a pilot project to roll out 85 solar home power systems in the Northern Cape Region of Heunginvlei. Ü The project included the installation of 10 solar powered streetlights in the main street of Heuningvlei where there are no community lighting. Ü Heuningvlei is approximately 150km from Kuruman and is a rural community of over 3000 people. While electricity has recently been introduced in the community, the grid connectivity is intermittent, sparsely distributed with most residents still having no access to power. Ü The region is identified as one of the CRDP –Comprehensive Rural Development Zones where the South African Government aims to uplift and invigorate the community through reconstruction and development program with a view to sustainability. Ü Unemployment in the area is in excess of 80% and hence any initiative seeks to incorporate training, and development as well as potential employment in the outcome. Ü The EEP Program is funded by the government of Finland and is administered by a Regional Co-ordination office under the operation of the Development Bank of South Africa. Ü The EEP program seeks to address the need for sustainable migration of communities to renewable and more environmentally friendly technologies such as solar power while addressing the social developmental needs of the community. The program funds pilot projects as well as scale-up projects throughout Southern Africa. The EEP supports projects that seek to demonstrate energy alternatives and renewable energy technologies in novel ways. Ü The project called SA21– COCOSOL (Comprehensive Community Solar Electrification Project) is novel in combining, training, development, employment with alternate energy solutions for homes as well as the community with streetlights. The project is comprehensive in that it demonstrates the sustainable nature of the technology from a service delivery perspective as well as social development and community uptake. Ü ZRW Mechanika has a track record of quality products, solar system design and fabrication and able to offer a turnkey solution in rural electrification was therefore a logical partner to the EEP. Ü The project leveraged further a partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Government as well as the National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Department of Energy. Ü In the end over 200 homes were electrified, up to 6 persons from rural communities were employed and over 12 persons were trained in the maintenance of these systems. Ü The project commenced in December 2010. Ü 21 MARCH 2011, Launch by MEC: Hon. Norman Shushu Ü Installation of 85 home solar systems and 10 solar street lights by July 2011. Ü In December 2011, the Project received accolades and nominated in the TOP10 climate change projects for South Africa at COP17, Durban 2011. Ü For further information contact Ü enquiries@zrwmechanika.co.za Ü kparker@zrwmechanika.co.za or 0824158548
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