Solar lighting equipment prepared for distribution to schools, villages, communities and churches across Samoa. Photo: Supplied
More than 30 schools, villages, communities and churches across Samoa are receiving solar-powered lights to make public areas safer and provide lighting without adding to electricity or fuel costs.
The lights were distributed at the National Emergency Operations Centre compound at Tuana’imato on Monday through a programme led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The project was funded through the New Zealand Climate Finance Partnership Fund.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale said the lights would expand access to clean energy while addressing a practical need in places used by students, families, church members and village communities.
Government officials and representatives of recipient schools, villages and churches at the official distribution of solar lights in Tuana’imato. Photo: Supplied
He said the programme would provide “reliable lighting in public spaces across Samoa” while reducing dependence on imported fuel.
The solar units can operate without being connected to the electricity network, making them useful for outdoor areas and communities where lighting may be limited or costly.
Ale said the assistance was also timely as Samoa faced uncertainty around fuel supplies caused by international conflicts and disruptions.
During the ceremony, the minister also acknowledged the 15 HomeBiogas systems donated by the Government of Israel.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale, right, speaks with an official during the solar lights distribution ceremony at Tuana’imato. Photo: Supplied
The biogas systems were handed over to Samoa in February and were not a new donation announced at Monday’s event. They convert household organic waste into cooking gas, helping families manage waste while reducing their use of electricity and imported fuel.
Ale said the systems could “reduce reliance on electricity and save money”.
The Government thanked New Zealand and Israel for supporting renewable energy projects intended to provide practical benefits for Samoan communities.
This article is based on keynote remarks delivered by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale during the official distribution of solar lights at Tuana’imato.
