A Peasant Farmer in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Pastor Paul Daniel has developed a solar-powered tricycle (Keke-NAPEP) to help farmers evacuate their harvest and to improve inter and intra city transportation at less cost .
Speaking with reporters in Tafawa Balewa, Pastor Daniel described his effort as a breakthrough that if supported, will help to open a good industry for the provision of Solar powered Tricycle in the country.
Daniel said the invention if supported will help farmers to take their harvest home at cheaper rate,boost socio economy of farming communities and create job opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths.
He listed the advantages of solar powered machines to include reduction in noise and environmental pollution as well as easy maintenance.
“You only need to put grease in some parts every four weeks which will cost you less than N200, and its cheap because you will not buy fuel and stronger than the machines using fuel” says Daniel.
When asked how he developed the tricycle Daniel explained that except the body and a device that was sent to him by a Chinese (to regulate the speed of the tricycle), all the materials were locally sourced.
“I started collecting some of the things I can get here , then I met one technician who is from China, I sent to him the design I make. He advised me to use their technology and see, because initially I wanted to use fan regulator that will increase or reduce its speed, instead of a device that help to increase or reduce speed called (totur). The Chinese then sent me the device which I tested and it worked fantastic. He too was surprised because he thought I may need some expert that will teach me how to work with it”
The clergyman said that “I only removed the engine and left three sharp parts that will move the back tyre, and I went with a part called DC Motor that is used to generate and store solar energy.
“You only need to charge the battery for between two to three hours and it will work for six hours. However during the day, once the panels are on top of the machine you will continue to use it without any problem except in the night when you will use the battery for six hours”
Pastor Paul said the cost of the machine will be between 450,000 Naira up to 700,000 Naira depending on the size and the capacity that is needed by a customer.
The clergyman said he wants to partner with the Bauchi State Government to support him and to allow him to train more youths in the business. “With government support i can produce close to 10 machines in a day. I can even produce a car using solar energy” Pastor Daniel Added.
Ahmad Muhammed
We appreciate your effort. We pray that the government should support you.