Unveiling of Mogale showcase project
This showcase project supports the Mogale Climate Change Framework and Operational Strategy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the resilience within the local community.
Mogale City Local Municipality, Magaliesburg Development Initiative, Mphe-Thuto Primary School and Local Government for Sustainability (ICLEI-Africa) are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the first low-emission development community showcase project in Magaliesburg.
Situated 25km north of Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg has a rich history linked to the local Sterkfontein Caves and primitive mankind. Now looking into the future a local school is adopting the latest technology in energy efficiency and promoting food gardens to encourage resilience within the local community.
As part of the Urban Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) project being implemented in Mogale, the Mphe-Thuto Primary School was identified as a community showcase project. Working in partnership with various local role players, ICLEI Africa implemented a range of interventions, such as replacing all the lights at the school with more energy-efficient options, as well as installation of a solar water heater. A skylight also was installed in a classroom to provide natural light and is being tested. If this is successful, additional skylights will be implemented.
The school also received a catering-size Wonderbag for use by the local feeding scheme, as well as a counter top compost bucket for the kitchen, which can feed into the bio-digester.
Other partners who have supported the school include Earth Life Africa who has installed an 18kWp solar panel system, while the Urban LEDS programme provided a 5kW inverter and battery system to allow the offices to be able to work during a power outage. Earth Life Africa also provided a bio-digester and it is proposed that the methane gas is used for cooking, as well as rainwater harvesting.
Nedbank Sustainability Division has been assisting Magaliesburg Development Initiative and provided funding for the establishment of food gardens at the school. The Urban LEDS programme assisted here with providing a solar-powered borehole pump to ensure that the food gardens and future orchards have sufficient access to water.
This showcase project supports the Mogale Climate Change Framework and Operational Strategy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the resilience within the local community. It is a joint initiative showing that we should not just look at mitigation or adaptation, but also look at collaboration and working together to find suitable solutions.
Also read:
• Auditor General applauds Mogale City
• New substation for Mogale City
• [VIDEO] ‘Viva Mogale City, Viva Metro!’
