Morocco earthquake: solar solutions to guarantee lasting help for families

– On September 8, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Morocco, particularly affecting the regions of El Haouz, Chichaoua and Taroudant, causing massive destruction and affecting thousands of families. On September 12, the NGO distributed and installed solar kits in the affected douars, providing an initial essential source of energy.

In response to the scale of the needs identified in the most isolated areas, the Initiative Lumière pour le Maroc project was then designed to guarantee a sustainable response to the energy needs of disaster-stricken families, and was deployed in partnership with the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Caisse des Dépots et Consignations and in synergy with Morocco Future Energy Leader (MFEL).

↪️ This solar equipment has improved night-time accessibility, safety and social links for over 110,000 people.

In addition to the distribution of solar kits and the installation of streetlamps, awareness-raising sessions on the use and maintenance of the equipment were organized, with the distribution of training materials translated into Darija to ensure lasting ownership of the equipment by the beneficiaries and enable them to have the necessary elements to ensure the maintenance of the installed equipment. Nearly 700 women were trained in electrical risks and maintenance.

Electriciens sans frontières will soon be mapping waste management structures for electrical and electronic equipment, to ensure that waste from end-of-life equipment (lamps and solar kits) is collected, processed and disposed of responsibly. This approach is part of the Electriciens sans frontières environmental action plan, which aims to limit the future impact of installed equipment and promote social and environmental responsibility.

➡️ PRESS CONTACT: Solène Vergerolle, +33.6.09.44.70.34, solene.vergerolle@electriciens-sans-frontieres.org
➡️ PROJECT CONTACT: Flavie Slimani, +33.7.78.11.97.72, flavie.slimani@electriciens-sans-frontieres.org