REISA brings light to Olifantshoek community with solar street lights
About 105 solar street light units have been installed along Olifantshoek’s busiest roads by Renewable Energy Investments South Africa (REISA) as part of an economic development flagship project.
Residents of Olifantshoek gathered on Thursday, 18 May, to celebrate the official launch of the Olifantshoek Solar Street Light Project.
This is an economic development flagship project of Renewable Energy Investments South Africa (REISA).
Olifantshoek is the second community to benefit from REISA’s Solar Street Light programme.
This is an initiative that aims to improve community safety and security as well as the well-being of around 10 253 residents in addition to taking advantage of this environmentally friendly solar-powered technology.
The 105 solar street light units that have been installed along Olifantshoek’s busiest roads require almost no maintenance and zero running costs.
Sizile Mabaso, chief community operations officer of REISA, said the project was proposed by the mayor of the Gamagara Municipality, Dineo Moyo, in the hope of reducing crime, car accidents and to better the well-being of the community at large.
“It is REISA’s deliberate strategy to, where appropriate, partner with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure alignment of REISA’s interventions with local priorities.”
In 2015, the Dibeng community was the first beneficiary of REISA’s Solar Street Light programme, which included the installation of 52 solar street lights covering over 2 km of road.
The company has been able to further develop its trade within the solar industry, in particular solar street lighting.
“Through our Enterprise Development Programme, REISA’s objective is to facilitate the creation of sustainable economic and job opportunities for the communities of Olifantshoek, Dibeng, Dingleton, Kathu, Babatas and Mapoteng to achieve greater economic independence,” added Mabaso.
At the launch of the Olifantshoek project, Sylvia Lucas, premier of the Northern Cape, said it has the potential to change the landscape of the town.
“On a deeper level, it adds to our collective commitment to make this province a safe and prosperous one for the benefit of our people living in it.
“Where there is light, there is life. This project has its benefits in ensuring that there is not only light, but that we are safe and secure walking the streets.”
About REISA
REISA is one of South Africa’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. Situated in the Gamagara Municipality, this solar plant extends over 210 ha of land and boasts with 343 200 solar modules.
With a total output of 75 MW, REISA will generate approximately 175 000 MW hour per year of clean, renewable energy to the national grid.
When operating at full capacity, it is expected to supply enough green electricity to power approximately 50 000 medium-sized South African homes.
This power plant will prevent approximately 125 000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year when compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants.