We recently reported on the double whammy of the loss of both sources of power – see https://friendsofpakati.com/2021/03/22/urgent-help-needed-power-supply-problems/ and were asking for help. This week sees the attempts to get both electrical supplies working again as quickly as possible…with help from the donations received just this week (thank you to the donors!).
We have some good news to report…
A specialist in Solar engineering came out to the school to take a look at the problem with the supply there. It was reported that the batteries were too old & no longer hold much charge. We hoped to remedy this very soon. The specialist, Everisto Mupondiwa of Vetronics Solar (contacts is (+263774027372), is based at Musami Business Centre in Murehwa Distrct. He offered to come and take a look for free, to see what could be done.
Here is his report: “Hi, I have attended to the solar system at Pakati Secondary school, and noted the following – 1 solar panel is damaged, two feeder cables to the invertor are burnt and frayed, two circuit breakers are damaged, then the batteries are past their service life. They have bulged, but for the time being, they will be able to draw power during the day. I did a few touch-ups so that at least they get some power”
Regarding the national supply of electricity, Friends of Pakati sent £45/US$60 to help with costs of getting the ZESA engineers out. They will come to reconnect the mains power supply to Pakati Secondary school, but we are waiting for confirmation of when they will attend, further updates to follow.
So it looks like things will be sorted out soon. The solar repairs are a temporary measure, as we look to replace what is needed in the near future. Great to see local experts helping out a local school. Many thanks to Mr Mupondiwa of Vetronics Solar in Musami, only 15km away from the school.
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