At Ecorus, we’re always on the lookout for ways to create a positive impact on society. That’s why we’ve committed to donating 1% of our annual profits to charities, such as the So Powerful Foundation.
This year, we’re taking our partnership with So Powerful to the next level! Not only are we donating a portion of our profits, but we’re also rolling up our sleeves and contributing our expertise and time. Two of our very own Ecorians, Judith and Matthijs, are heading to Tanzania this month to help install a solar project at a hospital. Stay tuned for updates on their journey and the impact of this incredible project.
Judith, what did you expect from this trip?
I work in logistics and supply chain at Ecorus, but I had never seen how the project comes to life firsthand. I expected to witness the direct impact of the system So Powerful is implementing at the hospital. Due to some delays, the timeline shifted, and we didn’t perform all the work we had expected. Still, I can say it truly is “solar where it matters most.” They have so many hours of sunlight there, but due to a lack of knowledge and poverty, solar energy is not widely used. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Tanzania before, but from the preparatory meetings and this experience, I now know that everyone is very friendly. Communication is very different from in the Netherlands; we are much more direct and concrete. There, the challenges are very different, making it hard to stick to project plans, and things are much more “go with the flow.” We can surely learn a lot from each other.
What exactly were you and Matthijs going to do on-site?
We were responsible for site management, directing the people assembling the solar system, and ensuring that the work was carried out according to plan. We were there at a time when, hopefully, all the materials would arrive, and we would be there to receive them. Additionally, our goal was to oversee safety and assess what was needed to work safely. Based on our findings, we created a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) plan.
Matthijs and I focused a lot on safety during the time we were there. We bought all the safety materials and personal protective equipment in Mwanza and started making a plan for implementation. We installed a safety line on the roof so that the workers and cleaners could attach themselves to it, preventing them from falling. The roof is pitched and quite thin, so it’s important to work safely, or accidents can happen quickly. We provided training to the person responsible for the solar system, who then explained it to the rest of the team. This way, he could repeat the instructions, which also served as a good test to ensure he understood everything. It was great to see how dedicated they all were to following the safety measures. Besides that, Matthijs instructed the team on how to use a solar tester. This device, donated by Ecorus to So Powerful, measures the quality of the PV installation.
How do you feel about traveling to Tanzania?
It has been very exciting! At first, the stress was kicking in because I didn’t know exactly what I would be doing there or what we would encounter. It was so open-ended. This experience has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We contributed to a tangible project that is helping people gain reliable electricity, and we did it with all our hearts.
It was impressive to see what they could accomplish with so little. Everyone was so friendly and willing to help, even though it was sometimes difficult to communicate. This hospital has so much potential for growth, and the solar system will definitely give them a boost in the right direction.
Has the project been a success for you?
Yes, it has been a success! I mainly focused on the supply chain aspect of the project, as well as the HSE preparations and several other areas where our support was needed. The Sunbeam substructure will arrive at the hospital in the next few days, and the rest of the components, including the panels, cabling, and batteries, are being arranged by So Powerful.
In terms of preparation, the project has been a real success!
Unfortunately, the project timeline shifted, and materials were delayed, so we weren’t able to begin the actual work on the project. It would have been great to work with the Sunbeam mounting structure in Tanzania.
However, we did complete the HSE training with the staff, and this has been a great success. We provided personal protective equipment and explained how and when to use it. The team was really interested in this topic, and we noticed they understood the importance of safety on the roof. They will also receive a manual with work instructions, and someone has been appointed to supervise this aspect moving forward.
Thanks for this amazing collaboration, So Powerful and Sunbeam!
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