Solar power plant and village owned enterprise Transform Lives in West Sumba

The village of Watukarere, located in the West Sumba district East Musa Tenggara Timur, is undergoing a remarkable transformation due to the 24/7 electricity access from the PLTS by the ACCESS Project. The revival of BUMDesa (Village Owned Enterprise) Ate Mera Woro, established in 2018, has been pivotal in these ongoing development efforts. Similar rejuvenation is happening across all target villages, where the BUMDesa entities are being renewed or activated with the support of the project. 

At the heart of the ACCESS project is the construction solar power plant (PLTS) aimed at providing electricity to local communities. This initiative goes beyond merely powering homes, it is designed to stimulate economic development. To  this end, the project provides capacity development, coaching assistance, and seed funding for BUMDesa to initiate business. The goal is to foster social economic surge within the community can grow using the benefit of solar power plan.  

To access the seed funding, BUMDesa prepared a business proposal elaborating the background, objectives, implementation methods, sustainability, and expected social and economic benefits for the village community. There are variety of business currently initiated by BUMDesa across target villages such as chicken boiler farming sale, home farming necessities store, fish cultivation based business, and other business contextual to each village condition. “The technical support provided by UNDP in terms of monitoring is crucial in ensuring the  impacts for the community. The seed funding provided the project has helped BUMDesa overcome initial financial obstacles and start businesses, significantly increasing the capacity and sustainability of the BUMDesa”, said Marselinus the Mata Wee Lima BUMDesa official. 

In addition to supporting businesses run by BUMDesa, the project also aids in the development of enterprises managed by women and local Micro Small Enterprises (MSMEs) in target villages. One such entrepreneur is Mrs. Pelisita Inna Kii, a homemaker and entrepreneur from Eka Pata village. Despite facing challenges due to the lack of an electricity network, Mrs. Pelisita's determination never quits. With the arrival of PLTS, her dreams are now within reach. Filled with hope and enthusiasm, she envisions expanding her cake-making business. 

Now, with PLTS electricity powering her home, the opportunities have broadened significantly. She can produce her cakes locally, tap into new markets, and extend her operating hours. The extended hours of operation enabled by PLTS lighting allow kiosk businesses like hers to thrive well into the evening. Mrs. Pelisita hopes that PLTS will empower other housewives in similar circumstances, increasing their self-sufficiency and improving their livelihoods.