By Chisomo Kambandanga,

Nkhata Bay, June 16, Mana: Self-Help Africa has disclosed that through the Demand-side Subsidy Result-Based Finance Program (DSS-RBF) they have managed to empower over 2,000 households in Nkhata Bay by connecting them with Off-Grid Solar (OGS) systems.

DSS-RBF is a demand-based financial support program aimed at making OGS system products and improved cook stoves more affordable for vulnerable households in communities to increase access to improved renewable energy technologies.

Speaking on Monday during a monitoring visit in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Mndola, Self-Help Africa Project Manager Charles Matewere said the program has contributed significantly to the area's development and is progressing well.

"As of now, we have installed 2,201 OGS systems in households across the district. Our products are sold at a subsidized price of K12, 120 to ultra-poor households targeted through the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR).  The demand is very high, giving us hope to make more new connections," he said.

Matewere added that the challenges that some households were facing like delays in giving out tokens to fill monthly subscriptions have improved.

He therefore pleaded with the council to update the UBR, which sometimes poses challenges in identifying beneficiaries, and commended the communities for embracing both OGS and modern cooking stoves which they are promoting in the district.

One of the beneficiaries of the program Kandapatali Banda, 68, from Mndola village said the solar system has been a game-changer to his family.

"My children can now study at night without relying on dim torches. The light is bright and safe, and our outdoor area is now well-lit, reducing the risk of snake encounters,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Mary Phiri, echoed similar sentiments saying that the OGS system has enabled them to increase working hours hence an increase in productivity and children can play outside without fear.

In his remarks, District Community Development Officer Jacob Moloko said the project has brought significant development to communities in the district and expressed hope for continued partnership with Self Help Africa to reach more households in need.

DSS- RBF is being implemented by Self Help Africa with CUMO as a fund manager with financial support from GIZ.