By Senzeni Ncube
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is set to hold a solar fair in Bulawayo on the which will give a platform for solar energy entrepreneurs to meet their potential clients and market themselves.
The solar fair will be be held on July 11at the Large City Hall car park and will run under the theme, “Solar kumusha, Isola Ekhaya” and Zvirikufaya ne/ Ziyakhipha nge solar,”.
In an interview with Radio Dialogue, Renewable Energy advicer, Thulani Ncube said the event will be a platform which will see different solar companies coming together.
“This is an event where we are bringing together different solar companies that deal in wide range of products right from lighting products that are solar powered, solar home systems and solar water pumping systems, so its just a platform that we have created as SNV for the companies to show case the range of products that they have,” said Ncube.
Ncube said solar fair is one of the strategies they are implementing to make consumers aware of the range of quality solar products that are available on the market.
He also highlighted that companies such as Samansco, Solar Shack, Ilanga, Solar City and Gemwitts among others will also be showcasing their products during the fair.
Ncube added that they have initiated a programme where they train youths in Bulawayo on solar technology.
“On top of this we also within the project have youths that have been trained in solar technology, these are youths that have been taken out of Cowdray Park, as you know that there is a section which is not electrified , so we now got youths that are establishing themselves as technicians as also retailing in solar products, so they will be coming through as well to exhibit during the solar fair,”he said.
Ncube said these youths will also exhibit at the fair.
“They have taken two directions, there are youths that are now technicians doing technical installations and identify clients, there are youths who have taken the retail route who are into buying and selling of these solar product,” said Ncube.
“Cowdray park we are looking at 42 youths that were trained and of these 70 percent are female,” he said.
He also highlighted that they are doing these solar fairs in conjunction with government through Ministry of youth.
Source: www.radiodialogue.com
