Solar Lighting in Rural Senegal
In Senegal, 75% of the rural population live without electricity. In urban areas, it is estimated that 43.5% of the population does not have access to electricity and lighting.
The context
Many villages were never able to obtain public lighting service – This was the case of the Cherif Lo rural community, located within the Thiès region.
The very few rural communities which have access to electricity encounter difficulties paying energy bills, particularly those related to street lighting.
Massive rural exodus is also an issue, so the government has recently launched an emergency electrification program for the country. This plan aims to increase to 60% the share of the rural population with access to electricity and to reinforce local economic development in villages.
Senegal also has significant weather constraints with temperatures averaging 32°C and a rainy season with high levels of hygrometry and precipitations.
The solution
In Chérif Lo, precisely in the village of Keur Mbaye Gueye, as well as in 10 other towns in the Thiès region, Sunna Design’s iSSL+ streetlights were installed in main squares.
Illuminated areas have now created public spaces for economic and social activities. Three months after the installation, inhabitants notably changed their habits : sellers of drinks and candies settled close to streetlights, women and children went out more often at night, and main village squares were used for major celebrations.
In regard to safety, groups of teenagers in charge of patrols in the neighborhoods have established their base close to Sunna’s streelights. This resulted in notable decreases of thefts in villages.
Given that these streetlights are alimented with solar energy and last 10 years without maintenance, there will be no extra costs for these communities in the long run.
Which products for this field of application?
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