Pabalelong Hospice – Metsimotlhabe, Botswana
The installation and commissioning of a 20kW hybrid solar system at Pabalelong Hospice, Metsimotlhabe, Botswana, was successfully completed on Nov. 8, 2024. The hospice has been using solar energy for a week following the installation of equipment to test its functionality, and to date, no challenges have been encountered. We were fortunate to work with a highly committed team comprising the installer, Mr. Velaphi, Technical Director of Binary Automation, and Mr. Hlabano, Auditor, Engineer, and Managing Director of Infrawerx. Both have been visiting the facility to monitor the functionality of the equipment, and the good news is that no faults have been reported. The project has been commissioned.
On Nov. 18, 2024, we met for the handing over of the project to Pabalelong Hospice. Apart from the auditor, installer, and our team, those who graced the occasion included Dr. Dora Moremi, Board Chairperson of the Catholic Health Board of Botswana (CATHCA); Mma Onalenna, Coordinator of Catholic Health Facilities (CATHFA) of Botswana; Mr. Tebogo Magakwa, Vice Chairperson of the Pabalelong Hospice Advisory Board; two priests from Divine Mercy Parish; and Pabalelong staff.
The project is a great advantage to Pabalelong Hospice, as the facility now has a steady and consistent power supply. Once negotiations with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) are completed, we will be able to sell surplus electricity back to BPC. Representatives from the two companies and BPC met at Pabalelong Hospice to appreciate the project and discuss the sale of surplus power. We are currently awaiting a response from BPC.
We are grateful to the Diocese of Gaborone, especially to Archbishop Frank, who agreed to finance this project. The Catholic Church of Gaborone has shown significant interest in solar energy in support of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home. We also extend our thanks to the Board Chairperson for the initiative, the Finance and Audit Committee Chairperson, Ms. Maoto, for ensuring smooth communication throughout different phases of the project, and, of course, to the Advisory Board members and staff for their support.
Written by Sister Philo Kottoor
How wonderful to see Pabalelong Hospice supply its own clean and reliable energy! Congratulations for completing your project. I hope it provides you with many years of green energy.
Congratulations! What a wonderful project that has embraced our Mission statement and Pope Francis’’ encyclical,
Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home.
What great news! Congratulations to all involved in the project. It is indeed inspiring to learn of world-wide efforts to support Pope Francis’
efforts to protect our common home