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Lydec (Suez): Temporary Electrification of Shantytowns Casablanca, Morocco
 In 1997 Casablanca-based Lydec, a branch of the worldwide energy water and waste services group, Suez, was charged by the Urban Community of Casablanca with managing the Casablanca electricity, water and sewage networks.
In Casablanca, more than 400,000 people live in slums, with no access to electricity and minimal access to water and sanitation. The first stage of the project was electrification as priority was given to electricity provision due to the growing demand of the population. Cost-effective technologies were put in place and an appropriate tariff structure was defined in close relationship with local communities, neighborhood organizations and municipalities.
Neighborhood associations of local inhabitants and private electricians were organized to became responsible for the street electricity supply for 20 houses as well as services ranging from technical management to bill collection. The company provided the materials and technical assistance, and local communities were able to reduce the cost of the project by providing labor.
So far, about 110.000 people have benefited from this program in about 40 districts. Work is on progress for 100.000 people spread over 45 districts.
The innovative financial scheme that has been designed provides a sustainable economic system, based on the inhabitants economical reality and allowing flexibility. The introduction of energy has also facilitated the creation of SMEs, and the new energy technologies introduced are helping to avoid the use of more polluting traditional energy sources like gas and small generating motors, reducing effect on health and environment.
In addition, illegal connection have significantly decreased and thus, electrical risks and physical often deadly accident. This approach will be replicated for water and sanitation, with pilot projects planned in 2002.
Suez is a provider of energy, water, and waste services. As a worldwide services group, Suez has locations in 130 countries and 190,000 employees. Its mission is to deliver the essentials of life in a sustainable way, particularly through public/private partnerships.
Lydec is a Ltd company ruled under Moroccan law with 3600 employees. Its shareholders are SUEZ (35%), ELYO (24%), EDF International (18%), ENDESA International (18%) and AGBAR (5%).
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