Projects 2020: 1. Solar 2. Buildings
1. Solar Project - FEBRUARY 2020 - Phase 1 Completed
This February, work began on a project of installing solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and other equipment to help PIZ deal with a problem called 'load-shedding'.
Load-shedding takes place when a country is unable to supply sufficient electricity to its population and so switches it off to specific parts of the country on a rota, a type of rationing.
This is a significant problem for PIZ because it pumps all of its water from boreholes and a lake using electric pumps. The power has been known to be off for up to 20 hours in a day which means they are unable to pump sufficient water into the tanks to fulfil their daily requirements.
In addition the site is on a slope, with the lecturers houses at the top, so water is pumped up the slope with an electric booster pump. They also are unable to use their PC's and laptops (which have old tired batteries) and unable to keep the multiple chest freezers running which store the large amount food it takes to feed the students and staff. Of course there are many other inconveniences and this project will not solve all of them, but it will resolve the essential items of water pumping and limited power for appliances such as freezers.
Load-shedding takes place when a country is unable to supply sufficient electricity to its population and so switches it off to specific parts of the country on a rota, a type of rationing.
This is a significant problem for PIZ because it pumps all of its water from boreholes and a lake using electric pumps. The power has been known to be off for up to 20 hours in a day which means they are unable to pump sufficient water into the tanks to fulfil their daily requirements.
In addition the site is on a slope, with the lecturers houses at the top, so water is pumped up the slope with an electric booster pump. They also are unable to use their PC's and laptops (which have old tired batteries) and unable to keep the multiple chest freezers running which store the large amount food it takes to feed the students and staff. Of course there are many other inconveniences and this project will not solve all of them, but it will resolve the essential items of water pumping and limited power for appliances such as freezers.
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PHASE 1
The objective of this project is to provide a backup electricity supply for the most essential parts of college to function. These essential functions are defined as follows: 1. The ability to pump water from Borehole 1 2. Operate the booster pump which pushes water to the lecturer’s houses 3. Power the administration building/warehouse – which enables the PC/laptops/printer/internet router and several chest freezers to run 4. Two pumps that will sit in the reservoir pumping water to a nearby tank for crop irrigation, and a sand filter for potable (drinking) water Thanks be to God that the full funds for phase 1 has been raised PHASE 2 will provide alternative power for the whole site and is
estimated to cost a further £25,500. So far we have £8,631 designated towards Phase 2 (27/02/2020). Tim will be working on the finer details over the next few months and we will post them here once finalised. |
All of the new equipment will be housed in a new and secure energy centre
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2. Workers' Houses, a Guard Hut and more Toilets
As the site has developed over the years so also has the need for practical requirements to be met. We employ 4 security guards on site and cleaners, cooks, 2 drivers who start at 5am on chicken selling days, and general workers and farm workers. With them comes the need for toilet facilities and housing. The buildings that are highest on our priority list are as follows:
· Two toilets for staff and their families, perhaps with a shower attached.
The college has only one ablution block at the moment which is next to the academic block. The toilets in this ablution block do not cater well for all staff and their families on site. There is need to do two more toilets
· A guard hut with a toilet.
At the entrance to the college site there is a guard all the time who has no shelter and no toilet. There is need to build a guard hut with a toilet.
· 4 blocks of 2 semi-detached houses for workers and their families. We have 1 block part built.
General workers who should be on site at PIZ do not have proper accommodation. Some live in some make shift shelters. A driver lives in a room attached to a chicken shelter. There is an urgent need to build these houses.
If you would like to donate towards this building project please state on the bank payment it is for WGT building. If you donate via Give.net there is a building option, please indicate WGT in the give more details box.
· Two toilets for staff and their families, perhaps with a shower attached.
The college has only one ablution block at the moment which is next to the academic block. The toilets in this ablution block do not cater well for all staff and their families on site. There is need to do two more toilets
· A guard hut with a toilet.
At the entrance to the college site there is a guard all the time who has no shelter and no toilet. There is need to build a guard hut with a toilet.
· 4 blocks of 2 semi-detached houses for workers and their families. We have 1 block part built.
General workers who should be on site at PIZ do not have proper accommodation. Some live in some make shift shelters. A driver lives in a room attached to a chicken shelter. There is an urgent need to build these houses.
If you would like to donate towards this building project please state on the bank payment it is for WGT building. If you donate via Give.net there is a building option, please indicate WGT in the give more details box.
THANK YOU
The Reservoir work is now completed
We thank the Lord that we have this valuable resource onsite. It has been made possible through allocated donations, and specialist guidance from Tony: Consultant Civil and Construction Engineer in the UK.
It will enable us to potentially have water onsite all year round to aid in the water supply for the farm enterprise.
A big thank you to Kelvin and his team of labourers too.
It will enable us to potentially have water onsite all year round to aid in the water supply for the farm enterprise.
A big thank you to Kelvin and his team of labourers too.
The last stages of the build caught on video