/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.
Following the successful installation and commissioning of solar-powered area lighting in the community of Fitches Corner on Mandela Day in 2012, the Metrowind Van Stadens wind farm has helped to improve the lives of the communities of Shamrock and Witteklip by installing similar solar-powered area lighting. The lights were commissioned late in December 2012, bringing transformational light to the local residents, just in time for Christmas.
“Witteklip is a few meters away from the main road and our women and children are easy targets to passing motorists with bad intentions; with this light we can easily identify criminals and robbers” said David Bili, a Witteklip Community Leader.
“I remember seeing a light shining through my shack’s window, and I thought it was someone’s car with headlights on; but this light shone for a long time and I decided to look outside. To my surprise it was a street light, I was so excited I couldn’t control my emotions,” said Nobonisile Dyantyi who has been residing in Shamrock for over 15 years.
The lighting was made possible by the generous donation of funds by Basil Read Matomo, the EPC Company of the Basil Read Group that is responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of the Metrowind Van Stadens Wind farm.
In addition to the funds donated for the solar lighting, Basil Read Matomo invested in excess of R400 000 to support and develop some previously disadvantaged, small and medium business enterprises in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in 2012. These construction and engineering enterprises that were identified by Basil Read Matomo will continue to receive not only financial support, but mentorship and professional advice to further develop their businesses.
Marius von Wielligh, Director of Energy at Basil Read Matomo stated that, “Small and medium sized enterprises are the incubators of job creation in South Africa. The growth of the renewable energy industry in the Eastern Cape and particularly the wind farms being developed in and around the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality are a catalyst for economic growth in one of the most impoverished provinces in the country. The Basil Read Group is proud to be able to contribute to the growth and development of communities and businesses in this region and hopes to make a meaningful and sustainable difference over time."
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here