OKAKARARA – Okakarara will soon have its own solar farm, with the town council tender committee currently seeking a qualified contractor to construct and fence such a plant.
The town council through its newly-established company called Africa Renewable Energy Solutions (Pty) Ltd, set up solely to maximise profit, has called for expression of interest from qualified contractors inviting them to submit a tender for the construction of the solar farm.
The CEO of Okakarara Town Council, Nathanael Karuaihe, who confirmed the plan for the solar farm at the town, said the successful contractor would construct a massive fence for the photovoltaic power plant. The contractor will also do civil work and clearance of the site for the identified plot.
When the plant is completed the town council will sell power to Cenored.
The entire project will cost millions.
“The construction of the fencing and living quarters for security guards is just a small portion of the whole project. We need a proper fence, this place must be protected because we cannot have cattle moving around. There will be 24 hours’ security surveillance at the place,” he revealed.
He said the plant will generate much needed jobs and during the construction phase many casual work will be created.
“Job creation has started with de-bushing the area. There are almost 20 labourers who are all locals who are de-bushing. Not to talk about experts and consultants, but at the end of the day, maintenance of solar does not need a lot of labourers, maybe just three to four. Hence permanent jobs will be in the range of three to four people.
But during the construction phase, a lot of work will be created,” Karuaihe said.
The tender closed last week on Friday.
He also revealed the town council has an integrated plan whereby the town is divided into different residential and heavy and light industries to set pace for development.
By Albertina Nakale