Both during construction and in operation, the Soutpan Solar Power project benefits the communities in the vicinity of the solar farm in multiple ways, including enterprise and socio-economic development that promotes access to the economy for local people, procurement and employment opportunities that plough financial resources into the local area as well as the establishment of a local community trust.
Soutpan Solar Power spends a percentage of revenues on these programmes.
Socio-economic development initiatives promote access to the economy for all people.
These programmes will continue for the 20-year life of the project and will focus on local communities in Ga-Mochemi Village, Germark Village, Ga-Maphoto Village, Senwabarwana, Indermark, Avon, Gamachaba, Mohodi, Vienna Village and Driekoppies.
10 percent of Soutpan Solar Power is owned by The Kurisani Community Trust, which is significantly higher that the government’s minimum threshold of 2,5% local ownership.
During construction, Soutpan Solar Power provided employment opportunities to many people from the local community.
In addition, many indirect jobs were created or sustained at local manufacturers and suppliers through the project and its contractor’s procurement of goods and services from the local community.
Now in operation, Soutpan Solar Power provides long-term employment for a number of people to operate and maintain the plant.
