Communities in Vanuatu, previously without electricity, will now have electricity supply through the recently launched Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project.
The project will see low-maintenance solar plug-in and play systems made available to more than 17,000 people, 230 aid posts and 2,000 community halls.
The Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project is supported by the New Zealand Government and the World Bank.
The solar power systems will be available for purchase from selected vendors with a 50 per cent subsidy provided for every system. The project is aimed at providing people access to electricity at minimal cost, with an easy setup.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Vanuatu, Georgina Roberts, said the system would help provide increased economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
In an interview with Radio New Zealand, Roberts said the project would enable people to improve their social conditions; adding that the project supports the implementation of the Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap which has an aim of providing access to secure, reliable and affordable electricity for all citizens by 2030.
