24 Jul 2024

 An electronic engineer and innovator from Ked-LiphiBw Company, Mr Kedumetse Liphi, has called for financial support and collaboration with researchers and innovators to undertake research that will have an impact on the community. 

Research and innovation, he said, were an expensive undertaking and funding was hard to secure hence institutions and other local and international potential financiers should come on board to help researchers and innovators to develop new products and services that would better the livelihoods of people particularly those residing in remote areas. 

He made the remarks when presenting on the transformative power of energy, innovation and technology in addressing the unique challenges of remote locations at a workshop in Maun. 

Collaborative research, he said, did not only play a significant role in influencing decisions and policies across various sectors, but it was also essential in expanding their understanding of the world and finding lasting solutions to the global issues. 

Mr Liphi also implored researchers to work as a team to come up with innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of the communities. He noted that access to reliable and affordable electricity remained a significant challenge for many communities particularly those living in remote areas and thus had affected opportunities and wealth. 

He therefore called on researchers and innovators to work as a unit to find lasting solutions that would better the quality life of people in remote areas. 

He said leveraging collaborative research and embracing cutting-edge solutions could create a sustainable future for communities living in remote areas and thus driving progress and prosperity in the country and beyond. 

“In remote areas, it’s a pity as some use candles, paraffin lamps to light up because of lack of electricity and this limits children to compete academically with their counterparts in urban areas and this is where as innovators and researchers should come on board,” added Mr Liphi. 

He also spoke against the use of fossil fuels because they were dangerous to the environment and climate. He said researchers and innovators needed to come up with products that would mitigate climate change. 

Mr Liphi appreciated efforts by the government to enhance renewable energy to meet electricity demands. 

He also acknowledged that the Botswana Power Corporation had engaged individuals and companies to generate energy saying there was need to diversify, taking into consideration the corporation’s rules to ensure clean energy. Clean energy, he noted, provided a variety of environmental and economic benefits. Furthermore, he stressed the need to empower local communities on how they could access energy and drive economic development and improve their quality of life. 

He said communities should be educated and trained in fostering local innovation and self-reliance. 

Meanwhile, the workshop brought together renowned experts from various institutions under one roof to exchange ideas and discuss on a range of topics essential for addressing contemporary challenges in water and energy management.ENDS