Mahagi Democratic Republic of Congo

Mahagi is a town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in the province of Oriental; it is located just a few kilometers from the border with Uganda about 15 km from the main custom in Goli Uganda. Mahagi town is the headquarter of Mahagi Territory, other big towns/trading centres in this territory include Ndrele, Mokambo, Mahagi Port, Djegu, Nyarambe, Nyalebbe, Rona etc. Above is a photograph of one side of Mahagi Town

(Here is the grinding machine which was modified to produce electricity) This territory has been the most peaceful territory ever since the war between 1998 and 2006 which was majorly ethnic conflict though later on developed into political clashes with several rebel groups formed but all vanished. These strives acted as a catalyst to the development of this town, as the people who were displaced crossed over to Uganda came back with new business ideas and technique, the town which had very few permanent building is now being field up with new permanent building and shops are very busy too. Most of the commodities sold in these shops are imported from Uganda even those that come from China, India etc cross through Uganda which has made the border points very busy too.

The biggest problem that this town has experienced in a long time is electricity; there is no source of stable electricity, people have been using small generators and solar for domestic and commercial requirement. The high demand electricity has given rise to a powerful local innovation; people have resorted to turning gridding meals into generating electricity which is sold out for both domestic and commercial consumers. This system has proven so effective but is limited to light equipment/appliances like computers, printers, photocopying machine home appliances except fridges, iron and hot plates. The system looks very risky and dangerous, but it works well and many people are connected to it. This innovation has now been exported to many other nearby towns now including some towns/trading centres in Uganda where there is no electricity, for instance in places like Erussi, Parombo and Panyimur etc in Uganda are using the same system. Above is the wiring in the power house, here is also a map showing the distance from the border with uganda to Mahagi