Arba Minch University, through its Renewable Energy Technology Research Center and in collaboration with the Sahay Solar Association, has officially inaugurated a 5-kilowatt (kW) solar power infrastructure project at Dada Health Center in Geze Gofa Wereda, Gofa Zone, on May 12, 2026. Click here to see more photos.
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior government officials, university leaders, religious figures, elders, and community representatives. Among the attendees were Ato Teferi Abate, Sodo Cluster Coordinator and Head of the Finance Bureau for the South Ethiopia Region; Dr. Eng. Abdella Kemal, President of Arba Minch University; Dr. Muluneh Lemma, Scientific Director of the Institute of Technology; Dr. Tolera Seda, Director of Community Engagement and University-Industry Linkage; and Engineer Dagmawi Ayele, Chief Administrator of Gofa Zone.
Speaking at the event, Dr. ing Abdella Kemal emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding renewable energy access in schools and health institutions across the South Ethiopia Region. He stated that the successful completion of the Bedada Health Center solar project demonstrates the university’s dedication to delivering sustainable energy solutions that improve public services and community livelihoods.
Ato Teferi Abate, Sodo Cluster Coordinator and Head of the Finance Bureau for the South Ethiopia Region, expressed his gratitude to Arba Minch University on behalf of the regional government and local community for delivering the project. He highlighted the serious challenges health professionals had long faced due to the absence of electricity, explaining that medical personnel were often forced to provide healthcare services at night using handheld flashlights. He stated that the newly installed solar power infrastructure offers a sustainable and long-term solution that will greatly improve healthcare service delivery in the area.
Engineer Dagmawi Ayele explained that the absence of reliable electricity had long prevented the health center from providing comprehensive healthcare services. He commended the University for identifying the community’s urgent needs and implementing the project despite the area’s remoteness. He also urged health workers and local residents to properly manage and safeguard the newly installed infrastructure.
Dr. Yalisho Girma, Director of the Renewable Energy Technology Research Center, stated that the center has made significant contributions since its establishment in 2017. According to him, the center has successfully implemented 45 solar energy projects to date, including installations in 25 rural health centers and 20 rural schools.
Dr. Yalisho further stated that the newly inaugurated Sahay Solar Project at Bedada Health Center was implemented with a total investment of 5 million Birr. Equipped with a power generation capacity of more than 5kW, the project is expected to substantially improve healthcare service delivery for residents of three villages in Bedada Kebele, directly benefiting more than 15,000 people.
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