Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is Ithemba?

Ithemba is a practical initiative focused on delivering clean water, renewable energy, and education with a special focus on keeping girls in school in Madagascar. 

​

2) What is the Dr. Lu Project?

It is Ithemba’s flagship program that unites solar power, water access, and health-education to improve daily life for children and young women across Madagascar. 

​

3) What problem is the project solving for girls?

In many communities girls miss school because they spend hours fetching unsafe water. Placing safe water directly at schools removes one of the biggest barriers to attendance. 

​

4) How much clean water will be provided?

The program is designed to fund and deliver about 1,000,000 liters of clean water per day, starting with Antananarivo schools and selected health centers. 

​

5) Where does the money come from to fund free water?

Revenues from a first 50 MW tranche of solar arrays under a long-term PPA will finance water distribution for the next 20 years. Sites include Majunga, Diego, Toamasina, Fihaonana, and Nosy Be. 

​

6) Who are the key partners?

Filatex Group supports the energy program, and Coca-Cola Madagascar provides distribution and maintenance support. Health centers include those run by Father Pedro. 

​

7) What is the current status with Father Pedro?

Ithemba is already working with Father Pedro’s centers, delivering about 2,000 gallons of regularly tested clean water powered by solar. 

​

8) What happens at the pilot stage in Antananarivo?

Thirty EPP schools will receive water stations. These sites also get internet for water monitoring, educational videos, and verified medical content. Health education begins January 2026. 

​

9) How does the project build local capacity and jobs?

Over the 20-year PPA term, young women will be trained in solar electricity, energy storage, and maintenance. Ithemba will establish a school for solar panel assembly and refurbishment. Trainees become local ambassadors for dignity and independence. 

​

10) Is there a plan for rural communities beyond the capital?

Yes. Refurbished panels and batteries will support 300–500 kW microgrids in 1,500+ rural communities to bring power, water, and connectivity. 

​

11) Why is it called the Dr. Lu Project?

The solar arrays will proudly bear Dr. Lu’s name to honor a career dedicated to human prosperity and environmental stewardship. 

​

12) How does Ithemba blend social impact and business reality?

Ithemba’s model demonstrates that doing good and doing well can be sustainable. By investing in people and services, companies build long-term markets and trust. 

​

13) What are the core impact metrics?

Attendance gains for girls, liters delivered, water-quality pass rates, system uptime, number of trainees and jobs created, and long-term asset performance. (These align with the program’s water-education-energy design and 20-year operations plan.) 

​

14) How can corporations or institutions participate?

By joining the pooled effort around the Dr. Lu Project while remaining profitable, helping expand education, clean water, and health access far beyond the first phase. 

​

15) Who leads and how do we get in touch?

Ithemba’s chair is Phil Gonzales. Contact details are provided in the program brief. 

​

16) What is the long-term vision?

A scalable, open model that expands from Antananarivo to rural communes, trains young women in advanced renewable technologies, and proves that aligned partners can deliver daily essentials reliably.