Gebrüder Weiss: Delivering Refugee Support with Solar Panels
Gebrüder Weiss, a global leader in logistics, is delivering a photovoltaic (PV) system to the Palorinya refugee settlement located in northern Uganda.
The initiative, called Solar Power for Palorinya, is spearheaded by the Comboni Missionaries, a Catholic missionary group, and coordinated by Brother Erich Fischnaller.
This initiative aims to significantly enhance the quality of life within the settlement by providing a dependable source of renewable energy for trade skill workshops that are crucial for carpentry, metalwork and baking among the refugee community.
True to its commitment to fostering sustainable practices, Gebrüder Weiss is deeply involved in promoting sustainable development through partnerships that endorse eco-friendly and viable community initiatives.
Educational and skill development initiatives
Central to the project's objectives is the advancement of young individuals by equipping them with valuable educational and vocational skills that support independent and self-sufficient living.
This significant improvement shifts away from unreliable diesel generators that previously powered the area, moving towards a sustainable solar power solution.
Donated by photovoltaic manufacturers and electrical engineering companies from Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein, this innovative, off-grid system possesses the capability to generate an impressive 200 kilowatts of electricity.
Andreas Bilgeri, Manager of Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea Wolfurt says: “This is an exemplary initiative by companies in the region that helps to give the local population a perspective for the future – and it also makes ecological sense.
"Solar energy instead of fossil fuels: a sustainable aid project that we are happy to support."
Logistical prowess and partnerships
The logistical journey of the solar system is a testament to the well-coordinated and extensive network managed by Gebrüder Weiss. Packed within a 40-foot sea freight container, the journey of the solar system commenced prior to the Christmas season, entailing rail transport from Wolfurt to Rotterdam.
From there, it was shipped to Mombasa, Kenya, before finally being trucked to its destination in Uganda.
Gebrüder Weiss has gwaived the transportation fees from Vorarlberg to East Africa, showcasing the company's commitment to community support and sustainable development.
The assembly, testing and packing of the donated PV system modules were undertaken by numerous volunteers at the company's facilities, highlighting the strength of regional collaborations to deliver impactful solutions to global communities.
Matthias Burtscher, one of the coordinators of the campaign, comments: "I am very happy to have Gebrüder Weiss, an internationally experienced logistics company located in Vorarlberg, on our side.
"This simplifies the coordination processes for us and we can be sure that the solar system will arrive at its destination safely and on time."
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