Project Benefits
Education:
Many children rely on kerosene lighting to continue their studies after sunset. Solar lighting will not only improve the quality of lighting but students are no longer forced to study directly beside a polluting light source.
“…since the PV [solar] system has been installed in my house, my child has a chance to read even during night without a problem… his position was 24 before the installation but in the last examination he was 9th in his class…”
(Beneficiary of UNDP’s SACCOS Program)
Environment:
Lighting from fossil fuels contributes heavily to the destruction of the natural environment. The area around Masurura has experienced rapid deforestation and degradation due to the need for wood as an alternate source of lighting and energy. The use of kerosene lamps also contributes to the production of green house gases such as carbon dioxide, and particulates that not only pollute our natural environment, but also cause indoor pollution with in the household. Solar lighting provides a clean and sustainable alternative.
Increased Productivity:
Solar technology requires a moderate initial investment. Through the use of SACCOS, Kuwasha hopes to make it easier for low-income families to adapt this technology in their homes. Families will be able to use the funds they save from buying fuel to pay off the cost of the lighting system. This will produce considerable savings and increase the overall disposable income for the community. It will also provide opportunities for villagers to work at night and continue with other economic or household activities after nightfall.
“…before PV [solar] system installation I used to close my business before 7pm, …but now I open my business up to 9pm…this has enabled me to raise my daily sales…”
(Beneficiary of UNDP’s SACCOS Program)
The solar power systems will also enable villagers to power small radios in order to stay in touch with current affairs without the additional cost of buying dry cell batteries. In spite of the lack of electricity, the use of cell phones is very common in the rural regions. Most villagers charge their phones by paying a small fee of about 30 cents. The residential solar lighting system will provide convenience to the villagers to charge their cell phones at home, without having to pay for it.
Health and Safety:
The use of clean, safe and sustainable solar lighting will help eliminate the dangers associated with indoor pollution, burns and fires due to the use of fuel based lighting. Children within the households will be able to play, eat, study and sleep in a clean and safe environment. The availability of light within the homes will also assist in increasing security around the residential areas in the village.
Other Applications:
Kuwasha will also encourage individual business owners and other villagers to take advantage of this program in order to apply the technology to enhance their businesses, or to open new businesses. Some of these applications include powering a radio inside a small restaurant to attract customers, using solar powered electrical hair cutting clippers (as opposed to the current razor blade based or battery powered clippers), installing solar lighting at local market places to extend business hours in order to generate more income, etc.
The solar lighting technology will also create new jobs that will be aimed towards distribution, installation, maintenance and repair of the solar systems within the village. New businesses that sell spare parts or other accessories (such as radios and mobile chargers) will also have the potential to start and grow.
