Solar lamps for Socotra [Archives:2008/1126/Local News]

Hamed Thabet
SANA'A, Feb 2 ) Germany recently donated 100 solar lamps to the island of Socotra for the third time in four years. These lamps, which generate light from stored solar energy, are safe to use on the environmentally fragile island in the Arabian Gulf.

The solar lamp project serves two main purposes. First, it aims to bring eco-friendly technology to Socotra, replacing environmentally damaging and expensive gas lamps. Second, the project will generate a small income for the women of Socotra, who will be taught how to operate and care for the lamps.

Like many areas outside of Yemen's larger cities, Socotra lacks consistent and affordable electricity. Even though 75 percent of Yemenis reside in these rural regions, they receive only 8 percent of the country's electricity, according to the Ministry of Electricity. The other 92 percent of total electricity in Yemen goes to cities.

The Ministry of Electricity also said that 77 percent of rural families still rely on old-fashioned gaslights. The rural families spend around eight percent of their income on light, while urban residents pay only five percent of the income and enjoy better service.

However, solar lamps work effectively for 6 to 7 hours – even in remote areas) as long as they are charged for 3 to 5 hours in the sun and cleaned regularly.

This is the third such program for Socotra's residents aimed at providing electricity to remote areas.

“At first only 100 Socotra locals submitted their names in order to get solar lamps