11 Sep 600 solar lanterns distributed to 300 families in Al Hidaaya IDP camp

Mogadishu, September 11, 2017 M The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) handed over 600 solar powered lanterns to Somalia’s Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. The lanterns will be distributed to female headed households within internally displaced persons (IDP) communities in Mogadishu, as part of a renewable energy project financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Mr. Elmi Omar Elmi, Deputy Minister for the Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, thanked OFID and UNDP for their ongoing support as the solar lanterns were handed over. Speaking at the handover, UNDP Somalia Country Director, George Conway, said UNDP’s energy work is delivered in partnership with the Somali Government and in line with the Government’s National Development Plan. Led by the Federal Government, the current part of project, funded by OFID. The project will see six government offices in rural areas receive 1,500 watt solar systems and 50 young people receive training in the installation and maintenance of solar equipment.

Mr. Elmi Omar Elmi, Deputy Minister for the Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, thanked OFID and UNDP for their ongoing support as the solar lanterns were handed over. Speaking at the handover, UNDP Somalia Country Director, George Conway, said UNDP’s energy work is delivered in partnership with the Somali Government and in line with the Government’s National Development Plan. Led by the Federal Government, the current part of project, funded by OFID. The project will see six government offices in rural areas receive 1,500 Watt solar systems and 50 young people receive training in the installation and maintenance of solar equipment.

Solar lanterns can significantly improve safety, especially for women and girls in IDP communities, and provide the opportunity for school children to study after dark. The 600 lanterns were distributed to 300 families at Al Hidaya IDP camp. Each household received a pair of lanterns: one which can be used for cooking and charging mobile phones, and to provide safety by lighting the way to toilets and other areas of the camps, and one for the specific purpose of enabling children to study in the evenings.