Ekiti State Small Town, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency has organized a 2-day Solar Technology Training Programme in Ado Ekiti for targeted technicians and artisans in the State on the installation, maintenance and repair of solar powered pumps and water supply systems procured under the Sustainable Urban, Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme
Speaking at the training programme organized in partnership with Grundfos Technical Solar Pump Technology, in Ado-Ekiti, the General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Ayo Alegbeleye noted that the training programme was designed to equip participants with the required knowledge and skills for the maintenance and repair of solar pumps as part of efforts to enhance the durability and sustainability of the entire
water supply system under the programme
Alegbeleye affirmed that the initiative would enhance durability and sustainability aspect of the equipment which are key components of the SURWASH Programme
He highlighted the importance of sustainable and renewable energy in rural areas, citing the reliability and environmental benefits of solar pumps over traditional fuel-based pumps.
Identifying key challenges affecting the functionality of existing solar pumps such as lack of preventive maintenance, poor quality and unavailability of spare parts, absence of community caretakers and vandalism, the General Manager
urged the benefitting communities to take ownership and cultivate a good maintenance culture to ensure the longevity and durability of the solar pumps and the WASH facilities put in place.
He noted that spare parts and expertise would be made available through a Grundfos Technical Solar Technology Company to ensure that the caretaker or Community based committee members constituted have access to maintenance tools kits.
Agbeleye advised the participants to pay attention to the training, noting that participants would be evaluated and those who excel would be engaged by Contractors to install 110 pumps across the state.
The General Manager commended the State Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate water supply for citizens adding that the training marks a significant step towards improving rural water supply and sanitation in the State.
The Service Engineer
from Grundfos Technical Solar Pump Technology, Ogadinmma Nwagbara during the training explained that the Soflex pump is a special type of submersible water pump that can run on Solar power, wind power or electricity from the grid or generator. It is also designed to work in remote areas without electricity stability.
He highlighted some key areas of the training including : solar pump technology and applications, system design and sizing, installation and commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety procedures.
