THIRTY solar powered streetlights will soon be helping to light up the most vulnerable parts of Cookhouse as part of a project to prevent crime and promote safety.
Mining company Exxaro Resources’ Cennergi and the Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust (AECFT), in partnership with the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality did an on-site inspection recently. The trust receives funds from the Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm.
Roland Tatnall, Exxaro’s MD for Energy said the electrification of this area through solar energy underlined the company’s sustainable energy values and how the mining company was addressing environmental challenges.
“Through the erection of solar powered lights, not only are we able to light up a community which was once surrounded by darkness, but we are able to do so in the most environmentally conscious way as solar power holds some of the greatest potential of all South Africa’s renewable energy sources,” Tatnall said.
Pastor Ndudumo Mthathi, a Cookhouse resident, said the lights were sorely needed. “You can’t see people until they are right in front of you.” He added that the darkness makes it easier for criminals to break into homes.
Ward councilor Mpumelelo Steve Kwatsha said collaboration between the community and Cennergi was vital to the area’s economic development. “It has created 14 job opportunities for our people, especially the young people. We have a very high unemployment rate in our areas so projects like this assist with eradicating poverty.”
Muhammad Khan, the owner of ZP Energy and project contractor said the 30 lights would be put up in Ndyamarha, Sinyanza and Joe Slovo streets, and benefit an estimated 108 households.
“We are really happy to have worked with the local community members,” he said, adding that of his 16-person team, 14 are from this community and people who he would work with again.
