NC TOWN GETS SOLAR STREET LIGHTS

OLIFANTSHOEK now boasts solar street lights along its busiest streets, following the launch of the Renewable Energy Investment South Africa (REISA) Solar Street Light Project last week.

Residents and community stakeholders gathered in the Northern Cape town to celebrate the official launch of the Olifantshoek Solar Street Light Project, a REISA Economic Development Flagship Project.

Olifantshoek is the second community to benefit from REISA’s Solar Street Light programme, an initiative that aims to improve community safety, security and social livelihoods of around 10 253 residents, in addition to taking advantage of this environmentally friendly solar-powered technology.

The 105 solar street light units that have been installed along Olifantshoek’s busiest streets require almost no maintenance and zero running costs.

“This project is very significant, as it has the potential to change the landscape of this town. On a deeper level, it adds to our collective commitment to make this Province a safe and prosperous one for the benefit of our people living in it. Where there is light, there is life and this project indeed has its benefits in ensuring that there is not only light, but that we are safe and secure walking the streets,” Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas said at the launch of the project.

“The project was proposed by the mayor of Gamagara Municipality, Dineo Moyo, in the hope of reducing crime, motor accidents and most importantly to better the social livelihoods of the community at large. It is REISA’s deliberate strategy to, where appropriate, partner with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure alignment of REISA’s interventions with local priorities,” Sizile Mabaso, chief community operations officer of REISA, said.

Beneficiaries

In 2015, the Dibeng community were the first beneficiaries of REISA’s Solar Street Light programme, which included the installation of 52 solar street lights covering over 2km of road.

“The project is without a doubt a shining example of how a successful public-private partnership, between REISA and Gamagara Local Municipality, can impact so positively on a local community. This project has provided the added impact of providing business support and mentorship to a local business. The company has been able to further develop its trade within the solar industry, in particular solar street lighting.

“Through our Enterprise Development Programme, REISA’s objective is to facilitate the creation of sustainable economic and job opportunities for the communities of Olifantshoek, Dibeng, Dingleton, Kathu, Babatas and Mapoteng to achieve greater economic independence,” added Mabaso.

In conclusion, Lucas said: “I wish to thank REISA for this project and the many other projects they have already embarked on in the Northern Cape, and look forward to a long and positive relationship.”

REISA is one of South Africa’s largest solar PV plants.

Situated in the Gamagara Municipality, the solar plant extends over 210 hectares of land and boasts 343 200 solar modules. With a total output of 75 MW REISA will generate approximately 175 000 MWh/year of clean, renewable energy to the national grid and when operating at full capacity it is expected to supply enough green electricity to power approximately 50 000 medium-sized South African homes.

The plant will also avoid approximately 125 000 tons of carbon emissions each year when compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants.