With the solar home lighting system, their future has become brighter

Headed towards Motbung village at 10 in the morning with Sir. Jemson, the HR manager of WSDS, our partner in Manipur. Motbung village is a one hour drive from Imphal, the capital of the state of Manipur in Northeast India. On our way, we listened and sang to The Beatles and other old numbers while we drove through paddy fields. We were warmly greeted by Chachan and her mother in law when we reached their house which is attached to their pharmacy. Chachan is a 33-year-old mother of three children. Her husband runs their pharmacy while she looks after their small children. They live in a rented house which costs Rs. 700 a month situation within a hospital compound. She represents a group of 17 women called Kanggui E. The irregular supply of electricity in their village has made it very difficult for them to carry one with work and their lives. Power cuts start from 5 p.m to 5 a.m everyday. Together they joined hands to seek a one year energy loan of Rs. 48,629 so that each member can purchase the 75 watts solar home lighting system which lights up 6 bulbs and can be fitted anywhere in their homes. Chachan has fitted one bulb in their living room, one in their shop, 2 in their bedroom and one in their varenda. With the solar home lighting system, business has been doing really well, they don't have to use inverters which gets spoilt easily and whose battery needs constant refilling of distilled water. They have also been able to save more money for their children’s education. Their household monthly income is now Rs. 70,000. This group of women are extremely happy with the energy loan and they thank Milaap and WSDS for the support. They have almost finished repaying the entire loan and are confident that they will be able to repay the entire amount on time.