By Regina Atule
Jang (S/R), Feb 13, GNA – Partners in Participatory Development (PAPADEV), an NGO, with funding from European Union, has launched the Africa Energy Parks project at Jang in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region.
The project would provide reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for 500 households in Jang community and the Mole National Park.
It seeks to harness solar energy storage systems to be augmented by a Biomass Combined Heat and Power plant, which would use farm waste to generate electricity for communities.
The launch was attended by partners from South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Portugal.
Professor Corneliu Barbu, Project Coordinator, addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people of the Choru Traditional Area to launch the project, said it was to enhance the climate resilience of Africa’s fringe communities, including the Mole National Park and improving energy access, while promoting climate resilience with focus on utilising local resources.
He said the project further sought to contribute to poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and the promotion of sustainable development systems.
Professor Barbu said the project aimed to leverage local resources to boost agricultural production, food processing, and livestock, adding “To support this, infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, water pumps for irrigation, and communication systems will be established.”
Yiram Dramani Kabasagya, Paramount Chief of Choru Traditional Area, said the people of the area had endured the challenge of life without basic amenities such as potable water, electricity and telecommunication services.
He expressed optimism that the project would present vital opportunities to improve the living conditions of the people, and pledged the full support and commitment of the Choru Traditional Area to the project’s success.
GNA