Solar project launched in Hoachanas
The Hoachanas Renewable Energy and Development Trust's 40-kilowatt (kW) solar power plant and agricultural project, valued at N$1.2 million, was inaugurated last Thursday.
The project is located in the heart of Hoachanas, with approximately 2 500 residents, providing the community with a necessary boost to improve their living conditions.
Horticulture is employed in this remote settlement in the dry south to ensure a livelihood. About 90 gardens have been established in residents' yards, according to regional councillor Deensia Swartbooi.
Pioneering project
Jochen Roeber, a networking engineer, described the project as a groundbreaking development, thanks to the first-of-its-kind mini-network with an input and output meter, as well as the relevant Electricity Control Board (ECB) agreement.
The trust's invoice for the generated power is sent to the Hardap regional council, at about 10% less than what the council would have had to pay NamPower.
This could mean monthly savings of up to N$10 000 for the settlement's sustainability, he said.
Hoachanas' administrative officer, Elieser Kariseb, encouraged ownership.
"This is our own 'Eden'. Almost a year ago, there was nothing here, but now it looks different," he said.
Roeber said there are plans to expand the plant to 120 kW.
Wolfgang Schmalz, an advocate for renewable energy and a project donor, said they are currently seeking donors for this expansion.
Four years ago, he and his wife, Esther Schmalz, created the trust and unsuccessfully tried to lease a piece of land. Two years ago, they joined forces with Swartbooi and Roeber, and progress accelerated, he said.
Community benefits
Up to 57% of the solar power plant's income remains in Hoachanas for specific beneficiaries of the trust: the P.J Tsaitsaib School, the settlement office, the Hoachanas Children's Fund and a quarter for maintenance, rent and future rehabilitation of the land on which the project is built.
The children's fund, which has enjoyed support from the Schmalz family for many years, is also responsible for providing seeds and equipment and making weekly purchases of vegetables from residents' gardens in the village on Tuesdays.
This ensures a stable supply of food for Hoachanas' children through the soup kitchen.
The project is located in the heart of Hoachanas, with approximately 2 500 residents, providing the community with a necessary boost to improve their living conditions.
Horticulture is employed in this remote settlement in the dry south to ensure a livelihood. About 90 gardens have been established in residents' yards, according to regional councillor Deensia Swartbooi.
Pioneering project
Jochen Roeber, a networking engineer, described the project as a groundbreaking development, thanks to the first-of-its-kind mini-network with an input and output meter, as well as the relevant Electricity Control Board (ECB) agreement.
The trust's invoice for the generated power is sent to the Hardap regional council, at about 10% less than what the council would have had to pay NamPower.
This could mean monthly savings of up to N$10 000 for the settlement's sustainability, he said.
Hoachanas' administrative officer, Elieser Kariseb, encouraged ownership.
"This is our own 'Eden'. Almost a year ago, there was nothing here, but now it looks different," he said.
Roeber said there are plans to expand the plant to 120 kW.
Wolfgang Schmalz, an advocate for renewable energy and a project donor, said they are currently seeking donors for this expansion.
Four years ago, he and his wife, Esther Schmalz, created the trust and unsuccessfully tried to lease a piece of land. Two years ago, they joined forces with Swartbooi and Roeber, and progress accelerated, he said.
Community benefits
Up to 57% of the solar power plant's income remains in Hoachanas for specific beneficiaries of the trust: the P.J Tsaitsaib School, the settlement office, the Hoachanas Children's Fund and a quarter for maintenance, rent and future rehabilitation of the land on which the project is built.
The children's fund, which has enjoyed support from the Schmalz family for many years, is also responsible for providing seeds and equipment and making weekly purchases of vegetables from residents' gardens in the village on Tuesdays.
This ensures a stable supply of food for Hoachanas' children through the soup kitchen.
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