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Varsity moves ahead with Limpopo village electrification project

4th April 2014

By: Leandi Kolver

Creamer Media Deputy Editor

  

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The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ’s) School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering will empower the village of Gwakwani, in Limpopo, through a two-phase community electrification project, the university has confirmed.

UJ power systems senior lecturer Dr Miidzo Hove said the village had a major need for electricity within homes and access to communication, which the university hoped would empower residents to start small-scale sustainable community projects to generate an income through trade.

The electrification project, of which the first phase will be completed this weekend, is being undertaken in partnership with solar energy equipment supplier SMA Solar Technology, pump manufacturer Grundfos, technology development companies Clever Devices & Designs and Unitronics.

“We are determined to complete Phase 1, which is the installation of the solar-driven water pump and a solar-powered cellular phone charging point by March 24,” Hove said.

Phase 2 of the project is aimed at powering the community through the installation of a mini solar farm and a bank of calcium batteries as a back-up system.

The village currently uses a diesel- engine-powered water pump to obtain water. The challenge lies in sourcing diesel, as this is largely dependent on unemployed community members gathering funds to fetch diesel from the municipality. “Installation of a solar-driven water pump will eliminate this aspect,” Hove added.

Phase 2 of the project will be done at a later stage, as some of the hardware is still outstanding.

“Once this is finalised we will return to electrify the village and that will conclude the project with the donation of a 40-inch television screen from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering for the establishment of a village theatre,” Hove said.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Magazine Managing Editor

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