Harnessing the sun: sustainable energy transformation in Aykamer Kebele
Published on: 09/08/2024
Most water supply schemes in South Ari Woreda/ District are grappling with the escalating costs of spare parts. Without timely and adequate preventive maintenance, water supply infrastructures deteriorate quickly. This is particularly acute in South Ari Woreda, where groundwater is widely utilised for drinking and domestic purposes. Groundwater extraction primarily relies on mechanical pumps, which significantly differ in capabilities and technological type.
To reduce water scheme downtime and improve sustainability, the South Ari Woreda Water Office has been actively exploring different alternatives that can provide long-lasting services to the community. One promising approach identified during the woreda’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) plan development is the replacement of mechanical pumps with solar-powered pumping technology. This transition to solarisation technology is seen as a viable solution to the challenges posed by the high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns of mechanical pumps.
As part of a broader resource mobilisation strategy, the woreda has been asking partner organisations to pilot the implementation of solar-powered systems in existing water supply schemes. This initiative aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of water supply services, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community.
South Ari Woreda has successfully piloted the transition from mechanical to solar pumps, significantly enhancing water services for the community with the support of UNICEF. The project team selected two schemes from Aykamer and Ayda kebeles as pilot sites for a phased implementation. They conducted the first phase, which focused on civil construction, over a span of two years. Following an extensive procurement process, the second phase, the installation of solar power and pumps, commenced in June 2024. The woreda water office maintenance technicians were fully engaged in the installation of submersible pumps and solar panels.
In Ayda Kebele, users of the Seneselet shallow well water scheme, and in Aykamer Kebele, users of the Merkato shallow well water scheme, have benefited from the upgrade of these water schemes, benefitting about 1500 people. This advancement ensures a more reliable and sustainable water supply for the local communities.
Upgrading the current mechanical pumps to submersible pumps powered by solar energy reduces the burden on service providers by minimising water scheme failures. There were frequent failures of the mechanical pumps due to the aging of parts.
Ato. Melese Kayzo, Chairperson of Aykamer Kebele Water Federation, said, “The water source is perennial, but due to frequent failure of parts, we consumed all our savings for maintenance. The community was also unwilling to contribute to the service, but the solar-powered pump will help us to collect more income in the future since it has lower operation and maintenance costs. We will save more for future major maintenance.”
The user community also showed their collaboration by providing labour, transporting materials to the site, constructing guard- and warehouses, and voluntarily offering their farmland for the project.
Weyzero Alemitu Geremew, user of the Merkato water scheme, said, “My family and I have been using unprotected water sources for the last two years, due to frequent water scheme failure. Now, I am happy to have water again without pumping it manually."
The Woreda Water, Mine and Energy Office assigned technicians to develop skills in solar panel installation and they replaced the existing pump with the new submersible pump and connected the solar power. Mr. Ajele Getu, the Woreda Water Mine and Energy Office Head said, “I didn’t realise that we had capable technicians in our office.” The technicians who collaborated did a good job.
Currently, a shallow well equipped with solar power can serve 1,000 people. Previously, each scheme could only provide services to 250 people. According to Taye Tamiru, the Woreda Water Scheme Administration Team Leader, an additional 1,500 people have benefitted from the two solarised water facilities.
The transition from mechanical to solar-powered pumps in South Ari Woreda represents a significant step towards sustainable community water services. By reducing maintenance costs and improving the reliability of water supply schemes, solarisation offers a promising solution to reach more beneficiaries and solve the frequent breakdown challenges. The successful pilot implementation and positive community engagement highlight the potential for scaling up this technology to ensure long-lasting and sustainable water services for all.
The water committees and woreda technicians should be capacitated on preventive maintenance of the solar panels. It is important to ensure that the user community continues their contributions to water use. They may believe there is no need to pay for the solar system due to the current operational costs.
My family and I have been using unprotected water sources for the last two years, due to frequent water scheme failure. Now, I am happy to have water again without pumping it manually.
Weyzero Alemitu Geremew, user Merkato water scheme
