Makueni County Referral Hospital is set to experience a reduction in power blackouts due to the installation of an on-grid solar system by the County Government.Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the installation of the solar panels, which will produce over 200 kilowatts, will ensure a steady supply of power to the facility and enable the medical staff to continue offering services uninterrupted.'The solar energy panels installed at the hospital will ensure a continuous supply of power even when there are blackouts. Hospital machines will continue working, and our people will get essential services,' said Mutula when he officially commissioned the on-grid solar system at the hospital.The Governor observed that the health facility's operational budget will be considerably reduced due to a reduction in reliance on the national grid following the installation of solar panels.At the same time, he disclosed that the government will use the accrued savings of Sh7 million annually incurred on electricity bill s by reinvesting the funds for patient care and facility upgrades.'Before the installation of the solar system at MCRH, the monthly electricity bill was Sh1.8 million. After installation, the electricity bill in the months of June and July was Sh1.1 million and Sh1.2 million, respectively, saving at least Sh600,000 and Sh700,000 per month,' noted Governor Mutula.He noted that, the Strathmore Energy Research Centre and the World Resources Institute have assisted in the feasibility study of a solarisation project at the hospital, adding that the use of renewable energy at the health facility will reduce the carbon footprint of the facility and hence contribute to environmental sustainability.Meanwhile, Governor Mutula revealed that plans were in advanced stages to put up a new intensive care unit and construct a private wing for neurosurgical centre at MCRH to improve health care in the county.Speaking at the same event, the Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Infrastructure, Transport, and Energy, Seb astian Kyoni, said the commissioning of the projects reflects the government's commitment to promoting a sustainable future by investing in renewable energy.Present at the function included Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, ECM Health Paul Musila, his counterparts for Devolution Japheth Mang'oka, and Wote/Nziu Member of County Assembly Felix Mateso.Source : Kenya News Agency
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