Project Status: Complete; Monitoring and Evaluation underway to assess the effects of the installation
Site Details: The clinic is situated in a village with a population of 5,000. However, it serves many of the surrounding villages as well, raising the total to 23,000 potential patients (some, walking as long as 35km). The facility has two wards, a pharmacy, a laboratory, and a labor and delivery area. The clinic was initially built by the Children's Fund (CF), which now supports the nurses. Their resources, however, are stretched thin as is and they cannot afford any new investments.
The Need: The electrical situation at this clinic is desperate. Six poor quality solar panels and batteries provide electricity to power minimal lighting and the water system for only two hours daily. The community approached us when we were finishing our project at SJGH, and after an initial assessment, we accepted the project in partnership with the Village Development Committee (a group of elected individuals from Somita who meet monthly to discuss village development opportunities). Not only does that mean that the project has local control and oversight, but also it serves as evidence that the villagers are driven and self-motivated to expand their opportunities. They do all that is in their power to fulfill their potential (they keep the clinic spotless - even if the only resource is dirty well water). Somita truly deserves a chance. The need is for clean water and reliable electricity.
Assessment: GamSolar assisted the Power Up Gambia team in assessing the current and future needs of the clinic and determined that 15 panels are required for the clinic to be fully operational.
Total Cost: ~$105,000