Earlier this month, the solar power system at Fajikunda Health Center was successfully repaired, restoring consistent electricity to the facility and underscoring our HTG’s dedication to being more than just an implementing body — we are a long-term partner in sustaining infrastructure for communities.
A few years ago, our trust supported the installation of a solar energy system at Fajikunda Health Center, intended to provide reliable power even when the national grid fails. Over time, however, wear and tear, component degradation, and environmental stress caused partial failures. In recent months the facility’s power output had become erratic, 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 rise to unbearable levels, often well over 30 °C (86 °F) and 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 16 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 in the heat.”
Upon receiving reports from the health center, our technical team mobilized to Fajikunda and conducted a full inspection of the solar installation. Faulty charge controllers, degraded wiring, and battery irregularities were among the challenges. 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.
As of 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 HTG’s philosophy: we don’t just install systems and walk away. We commit to ongoing support, maintenance, and repairs to ensure our interventions yield lasting benefits. The Fajikunda facility is one among several we maintain, with regular checkups built into our investment plan. We view our 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.”