BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
THE Republic of China (Taiwan) handed over 11,000 units of solar lamps to the Solomon Islands Government’s Ministry of Rural Development yesterday, which will be distributed among the country’s 50 constituencies.
The donation comes under Taiwan’s 2018 Clean Energy Project: One Student One Solar Lamp Programme. The units cost Taiwan around SDB$3 million.
The solar lamps will be distributed to students and villagers in all 50 constituencies through the MPs’ CDO office in the Ministry of Rural Development. Each constituency will receive 220 units.
Taiwan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Roger Luo said the Clean Energy Project demonstrates Taiwan’s continued commitment to Solomon Islands.
He also adds it demonstrate Taiwan’s dedication to promote reliable and affordable solar energy to students and villagers in the rural areas of Solomon Islands.
Mr Luo explained the solar lamp project originated from the One Student One Solar Lamp Programme since 2011, and is intended to help Solomon Islands students with better lighting systems for their daily study.
“Solomon Islands have abundant sunlight all year round, therefore it has great potential to benefit from clean solar energy,” Luo said.
In the presence of senior government officials yesterday, Luo assures Taiwan is ready to help Solomon Islands improve living conditions in rural areas by offering advanced solar energy technology.
He adds, an example is the support towards Solomon Islands national university (SINU) solar energy project this year which will be completed before the year’s end.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela acknowledged the government and people of Taiwan for their continuous generosity and support.
“The generous gift and support by the ROC (Taiwan) will continue to go a long way towards supporting Solomon Islands in striving to meet its educational goals and commitments in the SDGs and Solomon Islands National Strategy 2016-2023,” Mr Hou said.
He adds being encouraged by seeing that the solar lamps are suitable and appropriate for students in rural areas.
Meanwhile, the solar lamp units feature brighter LED lights, lighter weight, lithium battery, build-in AM/FM radio with antenna, and USB output.
