AIDS and the abstinence debate in Uganda – Video

We truly live in a small world. Its no wonder Frontline on PBS has a tag line of ‘stories from a small planet’. This short video [8:35] is one that explores how religion,
priest
sex,
Abstinence billboard
AID, and politics interplay between Uganda and the US.
The strategy of ABC – Abstinence, Be Faithful and Condoms had been successful in reducing the AIDs infection rate, but a reversal of that strategy by President Yoweri Museveni perhaps directly or indirectly due to the strings that came with the aid money to combat aids appears to be counter productive. 1/3 of the 15 billion dollars allocated in PEPFAR – President’s [GW Bush] Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief be used to promote abstinence only programs around the world. That is 5 billion bucks.
You can join the discussion on the frontline page for the video. Particularly welcome are thoughts from the Ugandan blogosphere.

Images courtesy of Frontline World.

On July 26 there will be a video about baseball in Ghana – so do keep frontline world bookmarked.
(Thanks Charlotte for the heads up).

Post to Twitter

Africa RE News – Brief Roundup

From the Kenya Gazette last week,
The Oserian Development Corporation has been licensed (by the Minister for Energy) to operate two geothermal power plants at oserian farm, Lake Naivasha area for a period of for 15 years.
There isn’t a link online but this story on the bbc offers some great background info.

From M&G Online – South Africa
Increasing use of renewable energy can be encouraged using an energy policy directive. That is how Denmark did it. South Africa appears to be heading in a positive direction.

Under the proposed by-law — the first of its kind in South Africa — most new buildings (and those undergoing renovations) with a value of more than about R490 000 will be required to meet at least 60% of their water-heating requirements with solar heaters.

The city’s 2005 Energy and Climate-Change Strategy has set a target of having 10% of all city households using solar water heating by 2010. Official estimates put Cape Town’s population at 3,23-million

An update from Timbuktu Chronicles on Ashden award winning companies, Zara Solar of Tanzania and Deng Ltd of Ghana.

Post to Twitter

Wind Turbine Power Plant in Marsabit, Lekuton and Craftskills.

Joseph Lekuton M.P speaking at TED Global.
lekutonTed

For a brief run down of his talk at TED, please click here.

While in Arusha for TED I got the chance to speak briefly with Hon. Joseph Lekuton, M.P of Laisamis constituency; about renewable energy and specifically what is going on in his constituency. Hon. Lekuton stated that there is a wind power turbine power plant being constructed between Mt. Nyiru and Mt.Marsabit. The corridor between these two mountains has very powerful winds that are going to be harnessed for energy generation. He informed us that the project is currently underway and is slated to be tied to the electricity grid, specifically through the Turkwel gorge hydro power plant.

The opportunity to build and operate the turbine was posted by Bankelele back in Dec 2005, and incidentally, he introduces me to the man who is making it happen today. TED brought together the ‘Cheetahs’ like Mr. Lekuton and Mr. Simon Mwacharo, and I am glad to report here that following their meeting at TED Mr. Lekuton ordered several wind turbines for schools in his constituency from Simon Mwacharo’s Craftskills company.
Business Daily Africa reported today on the wind turbine power plant in Marsabit which is in Mr. Lekuton’s constituency, read more here.

Other News – “Dealers in solar panels have urged Kenyaâ??s standards body to intensify quality assurance measures against imports and false labelling of poor-performing panels.”

**Energy transformation is happening as we speak, with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar having a greater role to play in Africa’s energy future!

PS: White African’s site is back up, see “Thinking About Africa 2.0″ for thoughts on the tech future of Africa.

Post to Twitter

Zara Solar – Ashden award nominee

from a local newspaper in Tanzania (Thanks Bankelele)

Zara solar limited from Northern Tz has been nominated for an Ashden Award (winners to be announced on June 21 in London) that recognizes outstanding sustainable energy projects. Zara sold over 3,600 solar PV systems, benefiting 18,000 people . It is estimated that 10% of the country and only 2% of rural population have access to electricity grid.

Read more about it here.

Post to Twitter