The establishment of the Switch On business in this rural community has not only provided immediate employment for some residents, but gives them the opportunity to run their own business. Parallax is working with the municipality and other stakeholders to ensure that the Switch On business will continue to grow and will be sustainable. Attention is also being given to transforming the Switch On premises into a more diverse energy centre, selling a range of fuels and appliances, and offering educational and commercial opportunities to the broader community.
The project was completed at a time of significant national interest and debate over the best means to offer energy to people in rural areas. Exisitng national non-grid electrification policy, and the framework for organisations involved, was being reviewed. Most significantly, the level of financing made available from national government to subsidise this process, and the conditions associated with such subsidy, was also being reassessed. In this environment, it is hoped that the results from this project will contribute to the evolution of related national policy.
| Background | Objectives | Activities | Results |