IN Cookhouse the Ndyamarha, Sinyanza and Joe Slovo streets will never be the same again.
These streets have now been made more secure and safe through the installation of solar lights which are sure to brighten up parts of the community which were once left in darkness.
This is thanks to diversified mining company, Exxaro Resources’ Cennergi and the Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust (beneficiary from Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm), in partnership with the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality, which did an on-site inspection of the erection of 30 solar powered streetlights.
The battery pack streetlights aim at assisting with lighting up the most vulnerable parts of Cookhouse to prevent crime and promote safety.
Roland Tatnall, Exxaro’s managing director for Energy, said, “Through the erection of solar powered lights, not only are we able to light up a community which was once surrounded by darkness, but we are able to do so in the most environmentally conscious way, as solar power holds some of the greatest potential of all South Africa’s renewable energy sources.”
Pastor Ndudumo Mthathi, a Cookhouse resident, was highly grateful to the team involved for the improvement to the community, and said, “At night you can’t see people until they are right in front of you.”
He went on to explain that the safety measures have been increased; previously it was easier for criminals to break into their homes at night, more so when they were not home, due to the darkness.
Local ward councillor, Mpumelelo Steve Kwatsha, explained how vital it was for the community and Cennergi to collaborate to grow the community from an economic and involvement perspective.
Muhammad Khan, the owner of ZP Energy and project contractor said, “The 30 lights will be lighting up different parts of Cookhouse and changing the livelihoods in 108 households.
“We are really happy to have worked with the local community members.”
He said that out of his 16-man team, 14 were from this community and people whom he would work with again.
