The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) through its partnership with ColdHubs Limited, has installed a solar-powered cold storage and ice machine in Swali Market, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses in the community.
This initiative, which has been funded through the Coastal Communities Off-Grid Energy Challenge Fund provided by PIND, consists of a walk-in cold room and a solar-powered ice machine with a capacity to produce one tonne of ice per day.
By making cold storage more affordable and accessible to fishers, food retailers, farmers, and other traders, the new facility will increase shelf-life and enhance economic productivity, while also reducing the cost of using diesel to power refrigerators.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Sam Ogbemi Daibo, the executive director of PIND, called the project an example of how renewable energy could drive economic growth and food security. He noted that the project would help curb food wastage and enhance income generation for traders.
Speaking on the collaboration, Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, the chief executive officer of ColdHubs Limited, said that the partnership would bring innovative refrigeration technology to disadvantaged communities where poor storage results in great financial losses.
The traders of Swali Market appreciated the initiative, noting that it was a big boost to their business. Charity Ochiezi, a fish trader at Swali Market, noted that affordable cold storage would cut down wastage, maintain product quality and earn them more money.
The Swali Market Project is part of several clean energy projects implemented by PIND in order to develop value chains of agriculture and fisheries in the Niger Delta region.
