14 Oct 2019

The acting Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele, has hailed Tobela one-megawatt solar power project as a major milestone in development of the village.

Mr Makgalemele said it was motivating to see the project taking off as the initial company that was identified to partner with the community and Lesoso Solar Multi Cooperative Society pulled out thereby delaying the project.

Speaking during the launch of the project recently, Mr Makgalemele said Multi Energy was identified and had agreed to the terms and conditions of the project contract.   

“We are here to launch the long-anticipated project and through God’s grace we are now moving to the next phase of the development agenda,” said Mr Makgalemele.

He said the community of Tobela and Lesoso Solar Multi Cooperative Society would be the major shareholders in the project with 51 per cent while Multi Energy would get 49 per cent. 

Mr Makgalemele said Multi Energy was knowledgeable on solar power generation.

Despite the delay, Mr Makgalemele applauded the community of Tobela under the guidance of Kgosi Kgotayame Mphoyakgosi for their determination.  

He added that it took perseverance to achieve since success would never be offered on a silver platter.

Mr Makgalemele said the communities of Shoshong constituency were determined to turn the area into a hub of solar power generation. 

Other than establishing the Tobela Solar Power Plant, Mr Makgalemele said some members of the community were trained on solar power generation.

“So far, 15 women from the constituency, were offered six months training at Barefoot College in India on solar power generation. The first batch of the trainees graduated in September and the last group will complete in March 2020,” said Mr Makgalemele.

Mr Makgalemele said government had also proposed to engage in the manufacturing of electric-powered vehicles adding that the Shoshong community was strategically positioned for the project. 

“We are determined to make the anticipated project a success as it will also create employment opportunities, said Mr Makgalemele.

Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Dr Themba Mmusi said the solar power project was a positive response to the shortage of power in Tobela.

 Dr Mmusi said the government was determined to provide all dwelling settlements with electrical power. 

He noted that for every citizen to be on par with the fourth industrial revolution and technological advancement, electricity was among the pre-requisites.

“Availability of power has its own positives as it will contribute to among others improved livelihoods and establishment of business entities with the power to create employment opportunities,” said Dr Mmusi.

 

He said small businesses will also establish while students will also have enough light to study and ultimately leading to improved performance at school. ENDS