25 Mar 2024

The 100MW Mmadinare PV Solar Cluster project is expected to make a positive impact on the lives of the local communities by bringing developments and also create employment for Mmadinare residents.

The project the biggest project undertaken in the constituency will add to 25km access road projects expected to take off in the coming financial year at Mmadinare as well as the upgrading of Mmadinare-Robelela road into bitumen standard.

Member of Parliament for Mmadinare Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi said during the ground breaking of the 100MW Mmadinare PV Solar cluster project on Friday.

“I thank the government for turning Mmadinare into a construction site,” said Mr Molebatsi.

He said all these had been made possible by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s visionary leadership to provide infrastructure in rural areas.

Kgosi Maureen Mphoeng also thanked the government for choosing to deliver a project of this magnitude in Mmadinare.

She promised to work closely with Scatec ASA and other companies awarded tenders in the village to ensure that developments were delivered on time, on budget and on quality.

Kgosi Mphoeng however raised concern over labour issues between the contactors and workers, urging the two to sit down and resolve their issues amicably.

He said the leadership of Mmadinare was happy to support all the projects in their village.

The Chief Executive Officer of Scatec, the company tasked to construct the 100MW Mmadinare PV solar project Mr Terje Pilskog added that his company was the leader in renewable energy with 15 years of experience.

He said the company had experience in developing the PV solar and boast of 4.5 gigawatts of projects in operation across the world.

The project, he said, was not only mitigating some changes but was also fostering economic growth, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

“The success of this project is not measured solely by the amount of energy it generates but by the positive impact it makes to the local community,” he said.

He thanked the government through BPC and the local authorities for being part of this long journey up until this point.

“At Scatec we are committed to delivering this project on schedule with the highest level of quality and collaboration with the local communities,” he said.

The Minister of Mineral and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi, also thanked President Masisi for his support adding, “without your visionary leadership and support, the Mmadinare Solar Cluster landmark project would not be realised.”

He commended the sponsors Scatec ASA for achieving financial close of the first utility scale grid connected renewable energy project, saying that it demonstrated investor and the financier’s confidence in Botswana, an investment destination of choice.

Minister Moagi congratulated Mmadinare community for being the first to host a utility scale grid connected solar PV project in Botswana.

“This is your project, your cooperation and support during the construction and operation of phase of the project is key to ensuring the success of the project and the benefits thereof,” he said. ENDs