GAMBIAN communities are set to get the gift of electricity thanks to a Brierley Hill solar panel firm.

Senior surveyors from ITS went out to the African country in March alongside Ridgewood High School’s Project Gambia group to see what the company can do to help.

While there, they were able to gather information which would help a design team draw up plans for a number of free solar panel installations suitable for homes, schools, medical centres and other community projects.

ITS’s Tony Sidaway, who visited Gambia with his colleague Ian Williams, said: “It is really eye opening to see their day to day struggles.

“Electricity is something we all take for granted in this country, but it would make a huge difference to those out in the Gambia.

“Myself and Ian went out there to see what ITS can do to help; not just in the short term, but over the next number of years.

“Our initial project will be funded by ITS and our suppliers with the focus on the villages of Sintet and Madiana, which are being helped greatly by Project Gambia.

“If it proves successful we hope it can then be rolled out across other villages.

“Just like Project Gambia are doing with the ‘Well of Life’ water pump, we are also hoping to work alongside the university and local people in the villages to make sure they are trained in maintaining the panels.”

A number of ITS’s suppliers, including Sunpower, SMA, STF and Worcester Electrical Distribution, are also providing specialist equipment in the first stage of the new project.

Tony added: “When you watch videos on the TV about people living out in Africa in those conditions it doesn’t have the same effect as actually getting out and seeing it with your own eyes.

“It really hits home about what they are going through. Speaking to the local people has really pushed us to do something to help.

“Any electricity we can provide them with by offering solar panels for free would make a massive difference."