World Vision Zambia Launches Solar Micro-Grid, Bringing Sustainable Energy to over 5,700 People in Manga Community

For Immediate Release 

Monday, November 25, 2024, Lusaka, Zambia - World Vision Zambia, with support from World Vision United States, Private Donors and Chikwa Parish, has handed over a 58-kilowatt Solar Micro-Grid in the Manga community under the Chikwa WASH-Energy Project to the Zambian Government through the Ministry of Energy and Manga Community in Chama district. This marked a significant step towards addressing energy and water challenges in rural Zambia.

The $682,471 project (approximately ZMW 18.5 million) aims to tackle the current water and energy deficit, worsened by the recent El Nino droughts that have strained Zambia’s energy and water sectors. The Solar Micro-Grid, one of four planned under the project, directly supports World Vision Zambia’s goal to improve the well-being of 1.5 million children by 2025.

Speaking during the event, World Vision Zambia National Director Marc Nosbach said the Manga Solar Micro Grid would improve the health and overall well-being of 5,762 people.

“This Solar Micro-Grid ensures that the Manga Health Care Facility operates efficiently, creating a safe and dignified environment for patients and staff,” said Mr. Nosbach. “Expectant mothers will now give birth in a safe, dignified environment with reliable lighting and Health workers will have well-lit spaces to perform their critical work, even at night.”

He further stated the Manga Solar Micro Grid also serve as a lifeline to Manga Primary School, supporting its 382 learners and teachers as well as the community with clean water.
“This Solar Grid bridges the educational gap. Learners will now have access to computers, putting into practice what they learn, which will open doors to a world of technology and broader learning opportunities,” said Mr. Nosbach. “Clean, running water will now be available 24/7, addressing a fundamental need for health and child well-being.”
Zambia, like many Southern African nations, has suffered significantly from the El Nino-induced drought, impacting 94 of its 116 districts. This crisis has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to ensure reliable access to clean water.

“This Solar Micro-Grid aligns with Sustainable Development Goals #6 and #7, focusing on clean water and sanitation, and affordable, clean energy for all,” said the World Vision Zambia National Director. “This development further enables communities to engage in income-generating activities through gardening and small businesses will now have the much-needed power to grow with consistent water supply for irrigation, increasing agricultural yields and reducing dependency on rain-fed farming. This ensures year-round farming and sustained source of income.”

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Kambani Phiri
Communications Manager
World Vision Zambia
P.O. Box 31083, Great East Road, Lusaka
Mobile: +260 976289599
Email: kambani_phiri@wvi.org