Grand Fond Health Centre acquires solar grid; experts call for efficient use. The nanogrid was customized by Sesame Solar and funded by Direct Relief, and it was obtained with the collaboration of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU). WAWU Secretary-Treasurer Kertiste Augustus urged for efficient use of the alternative power generator.
Augustus, who was instrumental in acquiring the nanogrid, said his union felt compelled to aid with the solar system as a way of contributing to the economic growth of Dominica.
Besides the fundamental functions of the union which is representing its constituent membership, we feel that we have an additional responsibility and that is to contribute to the social and economic development of our country.
Kertiste Augustus, WAWU Secretary-Treasurer
According to Augustus, this is the second nanogrid to be installed at the La Plaine Health District. The first one was installed at the Princess Margaret Hospital. He urged everyone to treat the power generator like a personal property, saying he wants to see it put to good use everyday for its entire lifetime.
A nanogrid is a group of connected power sources which is installed to provide solar electricity. It operates itself automatically if there is power outage from the national power grids to which it is connected. And since this is a solar nanogrid, it is not connected to Dominica’s electrictrity grid. The nanogrid works indefinitely for many years.
The new solar nanogrid for the Grand Fond Healthcare Centre is built into a self-contained housing equipped with offices for nursing, medical, pharmacy and administrative staff with numerous points for charging laptops, phones and other equipment. It also contains refridgerator for storing drugs and other medical necessities.
Louis Rodriguez, programme specialist with the California-based Direct Relief, said the solar company currently operates “in 90 countries around the world responding to disasters and partnering with health centres and ministries of health throughout the world.”
Leticia Lestrade-Wyke, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, said the provision of the solar power generators will assist Dominica to reach her climate resilience goals quickly as well as provided uninterrupted power service sourced from the sun.
As a Ministry, we try to focus on preventative measures and preparation. Preparation is of key importance in managing after disasters. Power supply is vital to ensure the safe delivery of care especially so that medication and vaccines requiring refrigeration are stored safely. Grand Fond was chosen as the health facility for the nanogrid because we are aware of how vulnerable this community is.
Leticia Lestrade-Wyke, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Services
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