Transcript Read more..
Community Perspective on
Electrification
By
Tlaleng Moabi
Energy Indaba
15 March 2012
Presentation Outline
• WOESA Background & Objectives
• Women Involvement in Electrification Projects
• Community Perspective
• Prior to implementation
• During Implementation
• Post Implementation
WOESA Origins
WOESA was established in 2002 with support from the
then DME and the Minister of Minerals and Energy
WOESA was created as a Section 21 company with
membership of about 300 WOMEN companies
WOESA Profile
>300 Member Companies represented in all
9 provinces, include corporate members
Companies range from small rural
establishments to medium operations
WOMEN INVOLVEMENT
Unfortunately, most of our constituency is
companies with interest in the sector but have no
technical skills
However, we have women that are involved in
engineering, project management and
construction in the Energy sector
Drive towards development of women in
technical fields in the oil and energy
sectors, e.g. professional women in the
Energy Sector
ELECTRIFICATION
PROGRAMME
COMMUNITIES
PERSPECTIVE
IMPACT OF
ELECTRIFICATION
Improved access to essential services such
as healthcare, education and clean water
Better quality of life
Job Creation
Reduction of greenhouse effect
INITIATION STAGE
>30 years without electricity, the gratitude
when one first makes contact is humbling.
Eager to assist the Contractors in terms of:
– Site establishment
– Safe guarding of material and the electricity
network during the construction phase.
INITIATION STAGE
Initially, communities are willing to
accommodate structures (strut poles and stay
wires) in their yards, where there is open
space
A lot of “houses” spring up on empty stands
upon the announcement of the electrification
project
– Do not want to be left without electricity when
the project is complete.
– Perception that it will take another 20 years
before they can get connected.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE
Although skill transfer programmes are initiated, but due to
short duration of contracts, no long-term comprehensive
plan (N3 to Electrician level) can be achieved.
In some cases, potential candidates are recruited and offered
job opportunities by contractors.
Due to lack of technical skills, mostly the EPWP work that
most communities can offer works like trenching and laying
cables.
POST-CONSTRUCTION
During audits, we have found:
– Loosened stays and/or moved strut poles, as
residents or new owners extend their activities on
their yards, resulting in the network looking saggy
with low lying conductors.
– Some communities, particularly rural, continue to
use open fires/ firewood to cook and waterheating, use electricity is only for lights, radio,
TV’s and fridges - thus their consumption is
generally low.
POST-CONSTRUCTION
In terms of the impact the electricity has had on
communities lives, majority are still grateful
Benefits include:
– Children being able to study at night without the fear
of burning down the house.
– Improved quality of life
– Healthcare facilities and schools (clinics) operate
better
POST-CONSTRUCTION
Concerns include
– Availability of vending machines in the villages
– thus it costs to purchase their electricity
– “Availability” of supply/ Network Strength
during adverse weather conditions
– Generally, there are low instances of electricity
theft in rural areas.
CONCLUSION
As we prepare for Phase 2 of the Programme:
Review how effectively implement skill development in the
rural communities
Support and/or develop women companies to get involved in
the hardcore energy sector (manufacturing and services) –
through EDI programmes
Look at Hybrid solutions, e.g. Electrification together with
Solar Geyser programme
Don’t underestimate the need to educate and train people on
energy efficiency
Contact details
Office:
15 Gold Reef Road
Ormonde
Telephone:
011 835 1880
Email:
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Website:
www.woesa.com
Contact:
Tlaleng Moabi, Energy Advisor
Thank You