Yangon (MRCS) – Today, 24 April 2015, the Myanmar Red Cross Society and the Bright foundation are launching a ground breaking partnership that will deliver consistent electricity to a whole village via a solar electric generator. Almost 600 people from Min Ywar Seik Gyi village who have up until now been living with no power will instantly have electricity both day and night for the first time.
The partnership, facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), will not only benefit the residents of Min Ywar Seik Gyi in the Yangon region through electricity and light provision, but also through powering a water pumping station that will provide all households with a constant supply of water. In the future the solar generator will also power the local school and possibly a rural health centre that is planned for the future.
“The difference that this will make to this community is enormous,” explains Professor ThaHlaShwe, President of MRCS. “From one day to the next the village will light up and the quality of life of residents will skyrocket. The community will also be taking over the maintenance and running of the solar generator thanks to training from the Bright Foundation, which means this will be a long lasting asset managed by the community, for the community. This will compliment MRCS’ approach to building resilient and self-sufficient communities.”
The solar-electric generator “Bright 150” is fully integrated, pre-assembled and ready-to-use and can produce up to 40 KWh of energy per day. It contains DC charging stations, energy storage stations, AC inverter stations and water pumping stations. It is easy to install and pack away if needed, for example during a cyclone. It is also cost effective, generating enough energy to cover 150 households. The village will also be able to generate income from the generator by charging money in return for using the charging stations.
Professor ThaHlaShwe continues, “We are very grateful to the Bright Foundation for this practical, sustainable donation that will undoubtedly lead to a brighter future for the residents of Min YwarSeikGyi.”.
For further information, please contact:
U Khin Maung Hla, Secretary General
Tel: (+95) 09 855 3293, Fax: (+95) 01 383685, Email : ed-mrcs@myanmarredcross.org.mm
U Maung Maung Hla, Director, Health Department
Tel:(+95) 09977115700, Fax: (+95) 0973018707, Email: health1@myanmarredcross.org.mm