Mozambique: The giraffe bringing life to Mangunze, Chongoene

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: The giraffe bringing life to Mangunze, Chongoene

7:14 CAT | 29 Mar 2021

Photo: Supplied

A solar-power “Giraffe” is bringing live to Mangunze, a small village in Chongoene district, Gaza province, which has only poor access to the national energy grid.

‘Girafa Solar’, a project led by the Carlos Morgado Foundation and the Nykani Mavoko Association, is funded by the Irish Embassy in Mozambique. It enables residents of Mangunze to charge their cell phones, as well as enjoying a communal space where they can listen to music, access information, and discuss district and country affairs.

The system, installed in the grounds of the local Catholic Missão de São Benedito de Mangunze, uses photovoltaic solar energy to supply batteries feeding charging sockets and a radio. Future additions to the system could include an internet hotspot, television and a computer.

Speaking during national St Patrick’s Day festivities, Irish ambassador Nuala O’Brien reiterated the embassy’s support for local solutions with a discernible impact on communities.

“Ireland has been a partner of Mozambique for more than 20 years, particularly in supporting the provision of basic health, education and agriculture services. In our partnerships, we are interested in supporting local, innovative solutions, with a focus on those that meet people’s needs and have a lasting impact on communities,” she stressed.

The local administration acknowledges that the project will have a significant impact, since Mangunze only enjoys low coverage by the national energy network, with the government supporting solar panels as an alternative.

The project promoter, Fundação Carlos Morgado, represented by Ruben Morgado, revealed that the initiative had been planned for quite some time, but was only in the end possible thanks to the Irish Embassy funding.

Source: Fundação Carlos Morgado / Press Release