Solar energy “Karnali library and resource centre”

The Karnali Zone is by its remote location behind in terms of development. The main reason is the lack of training and the availability of information. The NGO “Karnali Library and resource Centre” has taken the responsibility to make a change by setting up a central community centre in the village of Jumla where such facilities can be offered.

This centre provides the community:
– a library for adults and children
– training facilities
– a computer training centre
– support for the formation of women’s groups
– sports facilities
– a museum with historical and cultural subjects
– an audio and visual training centre, including radio and television facilities

This building has been constructed in 2008, achieved by both local support and support from a number of other foundations. Because Jumla district has a bad working hydroelectric power station, there is no stable energy provision so that the facilities in the building can not be used correctly. It was dark, computers and other devices could not be used as should.

The NGO “Karnali zone Library & Resource Center” has contact us through our Nepali representative, Keshab Regmi, and a project request was made. After several meetings we agreed to support this project, because it was in line with the activities of the Unica Foundation, like the promotion of alternative renewable energy technologies, education and general development of the community.

We visited Jumla for the first time in October 2007. Subsequently there was a long preparatory process. Eventually the contract with a Nepali solar-constructor was signed on 1 October 2008. Afterwards started a long period of implementation. Failure to meet contracts and lack of communication has led towards a huge delay. The delivery date of November 2008 has been postponed to April 2009. Ultimately, the construction of the system was finished at April 12th. At April 22nd the system became available for the community during an opening ceremony.

The installation will remain the property of Unica Foundation, but the energy is freely available to the community. The NGO is responsible for the maintenance and the necessary finance. Three locals have been trained to do the necessary maintenance.