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Solar water pumps make a debut in Niger-Delta

The system will be responsible for keeping this 20,000 gallon water tank filled to capacity using two solar panel arrays each comprised of 16 pv panels.

A new Solar Water Pumping Project is about to start flowing thanks to funding by the Niger-Delta Development Commission [NDDC] and the expertise of the Niger-Delta Wetland Centre.

Project Engineer Mr. Aku Emmanuel said the system will be responsible for keeping a 20,000 gallon water tank filled to capacity using two solar panel arrays each comprised of 16 pv panels. The water is sucked up 850 foot from deep underground to make sure it is good enough to drink.

Delivering the Project to NDDC, the Director of Niger-Delta Wetland Centre Mrs Miriam Isoun said “The logic behind the project was to do something different.”

"We have seen many abandoned projects in the Niger-Delta but we have to go extra mile to deliver," Mrs Isoun said, "The potable water will contribute to the health of the people in the Niger-Delta."

Previous pumping projects have relied on petrol or diesel pumps which often run out of fuel, a commodity paradoxically expensive and difficult to transport in remote areas of the Niger Delta. It is hoped that with the low maintenance costs and the simplicity of the design that the project will have a lifespan of 20 years or more.

Mrs Isoun also appealed to NDDC to duplicate this in other communities of the Niger-Delta.

The Paramount ruler of Kaima, HRM J. O Brutolu, expressed his happiness with the NDDC and the Wetlands Centre; "This will reduce disease in the community. It is very neat and good for drinking and it shows that solar energy is working," the chief said.

For more information visit the Niger Delta Wetlands Centre website