Physical Health Uganda Project #53070

Solar Power for Refugees in Bidibidi, Uganda

by John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre (JPIIJPC)

Solar Power for Refugees in Bidibidi, Uganda

Summary

This project is to improve health and education sector and the performance of small businesses through the installation of Solar Energy at 4 Health Centres, 4 Schools (each with 4 computer classes constructed and equipped) and 4 Business Hubs at Bidibidi with a total population of 505,381 (Refugees and Host Community). Bidibidi Refugee Settlement is located in a hard-to-reach place and the lack of reliable power has hampered the performance of the Health Centres, Schools and Business.

$411,000
total goal

$407,838
remaining

16
donors

0
monthly donors

2
years

Challenge

Being located outside the national power grid, the health centres, schools and small business have adversely been affected due to lack of electricity in Bidibidi Settlement. They are compelled to run small generators and solar units to maintain most basic services - lighting, refrigeration, etc. As a result, among other gaps, the health Centres cannot run diagnostic machines, schools cannot run computer training facilities and businesses do not thrive.

Solution

The project will install 5.5 solar kilowatts in 4 Health Centres, 4 Market Centres and 4 Schools; construct and equip 4 ICT classrooms in 4 Schools (@ $411,000 - total cost) at Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. The project will also mobilise the local community to ensure ownership and train technical overseers to the solar installations. JPIIJPC will establish and empower Power Users' Association (SACCO) to take over the running of the solar installation at the market centres before the end of 2023.

Long-Term Impact

At the project successful completion: Health services which were previously inaccessible (diagnostic machines, vaccines fridges, oxygen concentrators, computers, etc.) due to inadequate supply of energy will be available to the refugees at the health centres. 800 pupils will acquire computer know-how, have access to information through the internet, and have adequate lighting for remedial studies. 60 existing small-scale businesses at the settlement will be boosted and new ones spring up.