In early October 2025, the solar power system at Fajikunda Health Centre was successfully repaired, restoring consistent electricity to the facility and underscoring Horizons Trust’s dedication to being more than just an implementing body with HTG & HTUK both a long-term partner in sustaining infrastructure for communities.
A few years ago, Horizons Trust supported the installation of a solar energy system at Fajikunda Health Centre, intended to provide reliable power even when the national grid fails. However, over time, wear and tear, component degradation and environmental stress caused partial failures. In recent months the facility’s power output had become erratic, with lights flickering, sudden outages, and diminished battery performance.
The officer in charge at the facility, Ramatoulie Camara, explained the dire consequences. “At night, the lights are constantly going on and off. The temperature and humidity inside the maternity and delivery rooms rises to unbearable levels, often well over 30 °C (86 °F) combined with very high humidity. When the system fails, we are forced to use mobile phones for light during deliveries. On peak days we have up to sixteen births, and when the national grid is down, the ceiling fans switch off too. In the darkness, our staff struggle to see, mothers and newborns suffer the heat.”
HTG mobilised technical teams to Fajikunda and conducted a full inspection of the solar installation. Faulty charge controllers, degraded wiring, and battery irregularities were among the challenges and over the course of several days, replacement parts were installed, wiring reconfigured, and the battery bank replaced. After calibration and testing, the system was brought back to full operational status.
Now power is stable day and night. The maternity ward reports continuous light through the night, uninterrupted operation of fans, and effective use of equipment without relying on backup lights or phones.
This repair is emblematic of Horizons Trust’s philosophy namely, HTG doesn’t just install systems and walk away, they commit to ongoing support, maintenance, and repairs to ensure the Trust’s interventions yield lasting benefits. The Fajikunda facility is one among several the Trust maintains, with regular checkups built into our investment plan. The Trust views its role as a long-term partner to facilities and communities. Ramatoulie Camara said, “We don’t just want infrastructure; we want reliable infrastructure that lasts. This repair shows that HTG is truly standing by us.”