A new solar-powered water well has been installed at the Mabeskraal community sports ground in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West province, providing clean water to over 25 000 households. The project, undertaken by LiuGong Machinery in collaboration with Water Services SA, includes a solar-powered pump and multiple water points to improve water access while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
Li Yi, General Manager of LiuGong Africa, says the project is part of a series of water wells planned under the LiuGong Green Alliance installing wells to improve access to clean water and promote environmental sustainability among local communities.
“This installation is a testament to our commitment to green technology and sustainable development. The LiuGong Green Alliance focuses on reducing carbon emissions through the use of electric welders and excavators but we also realise that social responsibility goes beyond environmental protection. We proudly contribute to improving the living conditions of communities.”
By using solar energy, he says the project not only provides a reliable source of clean water to the local community but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
The installed equipment includes Bovem 140 pumps and a 1 000 W motor, wet end, control box and Enersol 425 w solar PV module. Also installed are four 425x solar panels to supply a power source of 1000W to power the pump to pump water into a 10 000L water tank,” elaborates Diedericks, adding that the water can be pumped at a rate of 700 litres per hour for five to seven hours per day.
Terisa Hsu-Lee, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Triple 8 Consultancy Africa, the project coordinator, says thorough research was conducted to ensure the site was suitable for the project. “Geologists ensured the site has water, which was important to guarantee the project’s success. Now local people don’t have to travel long distances to fetch water from rivers because they have access to free clean running water.”
The installation has also reduced pressure on the national electricity grid, adds Hsu-Lee. “We didn't want to use electricity because, from a sustainability perspective, we want to limit energy consumption. We also wanted to avoid theft of the equipment as electric cables are stolen frequently. It’s not as fast as an electrically operated well would be but it’s reliable and energy-efficient. The installation has enough power to ensure the community can use it every day without fail.”
