TaTEDO installs Energy Platform in Rukwa Region

By edithm Submitted on 13 January, 2010 - 13:06

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The Tanzanian development NGO TaTEDO implemented a number of projects in Sumbawanga District, Rukwa region, over the two weeks from from 27th November to 16th December 2009.  This included the installation of a Multifunctional Platform/ Energy Service Platform (MFP/ ESP) at Laela Village, located at Laela ward in Sumbawanga District Council. This represents the continuation of a series of installation of MFPs for better access to energy and rural electrification systems in Arumeru, Monduli and Kinondoni Districts.

The installed MFP is the combination of a Chinese diesel engine Fiadong type with 26HP, 20Kw alternator, milling machine and a battery charger (booster) machine.
 
Laela is a village along Tunduma- Sumbawanga main road. Among the businesses in Laela are are beauty salons, barbershops, video show centres, restaurants, retail shops and welding workshops. All of these businesses need better energy services in order for them to prosper. But the village is not connected to the national electricity grid, and all business centres and some households use generators as their source of electricity.

Candles, car batteries or wicked lamps are also used as alternative sources of light. These services are obtained at the village or nearby towns of Tunduma and Sumbawanga, but at a very high cost. Currently a litre of kerosene is sold at Tshs. 1050 at Laela. Villagers have always travelled up to 95km to charge batteries at a cost of Tshs 5000/. According to the villagers, charging services are not consistent due to power rations at Sumbawanga, and the type of charging machines used, most of which are locally made.

Installation of this ESP is the result of major efforts made by TaTEDO, the district energy team and the village energy team in finding tangible and stable solutions towards energy problems at Laela.

Because of the problems entrepreneurs faced in accessing better energy services and opportunities in the village, some formed a group named Juhudi Electrical Dealers. The members are Mr. Alfred Msumeno, Mohamed Mohamoud, and Fred and Abel Kauzeni.

This group of entrepreneurs asked for technical assistance from TaTEDO.  Their request was accepted and installation activities started with the designing and sizing ta suitable the system which would meet the demand.  

During installation at the village TaTEDO’s team, led by Mr. Shukuru Meena and Tegemea Enock, worked hand-in-hand with the village energy team and DISEDC. The entrepreneurs had also appointed an operator who was keen to learning how to work the system, to ensure its sustainability.

The majority of the villagers thought that it would be good to establish a small mini-grid at the centre, but due to limited funds it was not possible. An alternative source of electricity -- battery electricity -- was provided. About ten households were connected to this type of electricity. Each house was connected with 2 bulbs of 7W each, 1 switch socket for radio and charging phones, and one battery of 70Ah. All connected customers were also provided with follow-up training in how to operate the system, undertake minor maintenance, and selection of correct appliances for the system. The project had prepared for 10 battery customers only, but due to awareness raised at the village more than 15 customers were interested in that type of simple but very efficient mode of electricity.

The system will be under the close supervision of an electricity board at the village level. With the assistance of the Sumbawanga DiSEDC member, TaTEDO organized a meeting between the entrepreneurs, electricity users, the village energy team and village government representatives.

At the meeting the management structure of the system and the roles of the board were elaborated and Electricity Board was established. The Board has five members. Each member is a representative of a key group, such as  entrepreneurs, users, DiSEDC, the village energy team and village government. One of the main responsibilities of the Board is to ensure implementation of all agreements aimed at making the project sustainable.