Both during construction and in operation, the Aries Solar Power project benefits the communities in the vicinity of the solar farm in multiple ways, including enterprise and socio-economic development that promotes access to the economy for local people, procurement and employment opportunities that plough financial resources into the local area as well as the establishment of a local community trust.
Aries Solar Power spends a percentage of revenues on these programmes.
Socio-economic development initiatives promote access to the economy for all people. Enterprise development includes initiatives to assist and accelerate the sustainability of local enterprises.
The socio-economic focus is on education support programmes, including:
These programmes will continue for the 20-year life of the project and will focus on local communities in Kenhardt
20 percent of the Aries Solar Power project is owned by Malibongwe Women Development Trust, Ikamva Labantu Empowerment Trust & The Aries Solar Facility Community Trust who form part of the corporate entity, Main Street 935. This percentage is significantly higher than the government’s minimum threshold of 2,5% local ownership.
During construction, Aries Solar Power provided employment opportunities to many people from the local community.
In addition, many indirect jobs were created or sustained at local manufacturers and suppliers through the project and its contractor’s procurement of goods and services from the local community.
Now in operation, Aries Solar Power provides long-term employment for a number of people to operate and maintain the plant.
