Project Overview

For years, Umunagbo struggled with darkness, which fueled crime, disrupted businesses, and hindered community activities. The absence of reliable street lighting left residents vulnerable and restricted economic growth. Exergie stepped in with a sustainable solution—solar-powered streetlights—to restore safety, boost commerce, and revitalize daily life across the community. faced critical challenges due to the absence of reliable street lighting:

• Increased crime – Darkness encouraged theft and vandalism.
• Limited economic activity – Traders had to close early, reducing revenue.
• Reduced farming productivity – Farmers lost hours of valuable work time.
• Disrupted religious and social life – Worshippers and community members avoided gatherings at night.
• Failed lighting systems – Previous installations failed, leaving large areas unlit.

Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, Exergie was called in to illuminate the community and restore security, commerce, and daily life.

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Needs Assessment

Before installation, our team conducted an in-depth assessment to identify areas where solar-powered street lighting would have the greatest impact. Through community engagement and on-site evaluations, we prioritized locations based on safety concerns, economic significance, and public utility.

The key areas identified included:

• Educational pathways –
• Ensuring children’s safe passage home.
• Worship centers – Enabling access to religious gatherings at night.
• Central market and trade clusters – Extending business hours and boosting commerce.
• Farms – Allowing farmers to work into the evening.
• Community police station – Strengthening security infrastructure.
• Residential streets and footpaths – Enhancing safety and reducing crime.

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Design Assessment

To ensure long-term reliability and efficiency, Exergie implemented a meticulously engineered solar streetlight system tailored to the community's unique needs. This large-scale deployment covered 404 square kilometers across three local government areas, strategically illuminating key locations to maximize impact.

Exergie executed a large-scale solar streetlight deployment covering 404 square kilometers across three local government areas:

• Aboh Mbaise – 185 km (140 streetlights)
• Ahiazu Mbaise – 111 km (140 streetlights)
• Ezinihitte Mbaise – 108 km (140 streetlights)

Each streetlight featured:

• 120W tier-1 solar streetlight – Reliable and efficient long-term illumination.
• Underground concrete basket foundation – Ensuring stability and resilience.
• 4mm earthing cable – Protecting against electrical surges and preventing corrosion.

Outcome

The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of transformative, reshaping daily life in Umunagbo and beyond. of this project have been transformative:

• Crime rates plummeted – Theft, assault, and vandalism significantly decreased.
• Extended market hours – Traders operate into the night, increasing local revenue.
• Farming efficiency improved – Farmers now work longer, maximizing productivity.
• Religious and community activities revived – Worshippers and residents feel safe gathering at night.
• Safer school routes – Children like Little Moses walk home with confidence, encouraging better education.

Environmental Impact

Switching to Exergie Power not only transformed their finances but also contributed to a greener, quieter, and more sustainable environment.

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Client Feedback

Now, Moses and his friends walk home without fear, their laughter echoing under the glow of solar lights. Families gather outside, elders tell stories, and the village, once swallowed by nightfall, is alive again.

“Before, my son had to rush home before dark. Now, he can finish his extra lessons and still see his way home,” – Moses’ mother.

“Since the lights came on, I have extended my trading hours. Customers feel safe, and I sell more. This has truly changed our lives.” – Mrs. Njoku, local trader.