BPC�s Lesedi project liquidated

Pauline Dikuelo | Friday April 10, 2015 13:40

In an interview with BusinessWeek, the BPC Director Customs Services and Supplies, Gordon Molefe said they are currently re-vamping the whole of the BPC Lesedi, after realising that the model was not effective.

“We revised the model to devise a more sustainable one which will still be focusing on renewable energy. We realised that the cost of implementation was very high while the returns were low.” he said

 Molefe also noted that the uptake was very slow and not affordable to a common Motswana living in the villages adding that maintaining and cost of setting up renewable energy is also higher. He however said their facilities are currently closed as the study to create a more sustainable franchising business model is ongoing and hoping to be in operation by the beginning of the second calendar year next year.

“So far we are on track and can assure you that all the BPC Lesedi project employees who have lost their jobs will get back their post once the project re-surfaces again,” he added.

However, BPC Lesedi project’s previous franchising business model delivered off-grid services in Gaborone, Maun and Mahalapye regions.

A rechargeable power station was established in Lentsweletau where people would recharge.

At the end of March 2013, BPC Lesedi project was supplying and servicing 600 households with solar home systems with a total installed capacity of 100kw. As part of its retail business, BPC franchises have sold to the rural market 475 efficient cooking wood stoves, 1200 rechargeable lanterns, 75 heat retention bags (hot bags) and 10 bush low-pressure solar geysers.

They made significant strides in the utilisation of renewable energies as 21 poultry houses, piggery project at boatelo, seven tourism facilities, five clinics, a 12kw solar or biogas hybrid mini-grid is under construction in Sekhutlane and a sustainable village concept project to facilitate power uptake through development of economic activities in newly electrified village in Sekhutlane.

Even though solar energy is regarded as the next option to the energy power generation, it is perceived to be more expensive, compared to the coal energy power generation, as renewable running costs are very high. Its production also heavily relies on the climatic conditions.

The Phakalane 1.3 mega Watt photovoltaic solar power plant that was built to the tune of P90 million by the government of Botswana is not producing the required amount.

The project uses about 6000 photovoltaic modules rated at 220 watts peak each to generate electricity from the sun.