Keeping the lights on in the Hidden Himalayas

Dear Friends and Supporters

I am very happy to report that now we have a new Project Agreement with the government and we have concluded the working agreement with our chosen operator - LIDS, operations are go. All equipment and machinery have been ordered and will be delivered to the new Service Centre after the festival of Tihar in November, the second most important Hindu festival in Nepal.

This is a keystone project that it is hoped will deliver a much needed service in the remote district of Humla. New renewable energy schemes are springing up all over the district but lack any technical support when repairs or maintenance are required. It will also bring new skills to this remote area and generate prosperity and reasons to remain rather move out to a better life.

The Nepal Trust will continue to monitor and support this project for up to five years to help nuture and ensure it becomes a successful enterprise. We believe this is the first of its kind in the remote areas and will provide a blueprint for others to follow.

We sincerely thank you for all of your support and we hope you will continue to help until we are happy the project can stand on its own feet. Please tell your friends and ask them to help support this environment enhancing project. A changing climate is perhaps affecting the people of the Himalayas worse than most. Please help them.

Many thanks and Namaste

Dear friends and supporters.

Last time we reported on the fact that our 5 year plan with the government had been approved and despite the monsoon rains we have made finally progress to identify the items to equip the new innovative Renewable Energy Service Center. Soon we hope to purchase these machines and hand tools, and hope to transport all up to Simikot from Nepalgunj where it will be handed over to our local partner LIDS to start electrical and mechanical works.

In addition we managed despite the many rains to send a local technician up to Yari village to install a solar fridge, which will be driven by solar panels, for the Yari Birthing Center and Health Post. Yari is a remote village nearly 5-6 days walk from Simikot, so to have electricity available that can be used to provide better healthcare is a much needed asset that will benefit the many villagers.

Obviously there may be a future need for maintenance and repair of such equipment, which shows the need of the Service Center and trained staff to keep providing such valuable services.

This remote area is never likely to be linked up to national grid and thus much will depend on RE sources and its maintenance to support the development of local communities.

We want to thank you for all your support and encouragement and I hope you will continue to help in days to come. Tell your friends about us and encourage them to support these very remote areas that can surely help any need they can get.

Namaste