Three island communities in the Lihir island group, New Ireland province got lit up with Solar power and lights as of 8th December 2022, under Lighting Up New Ireland policy, a development initiative of Governor Sir Julius Chan.
The health center, aid post, schools and churches lit up when the Contractor JWK Ltd completed installation of six 3KVA Solar System, one 5KVA Solar System, 13 Solar Street Lights and 632 Household Solar Kits on Mali and Masahet Islands.
In early January 2023, the contractor JWK Ltd will re- commence work on Mahur Island to install one 5KVA Solar System, three 3KVA Solar Systems and eight Solar Street Lights.
Acting Governor and Tikana LLG President, Sammy Missen on behalf of the NIG congratulated the Nimamar LLG for utilizing well their Special Support Grants.
Locals from the project areas expressed gratitude for the Solar System and Lightings. They said it would now transform their environment by lighting up the schools, health centers & aid post, churches and villages. They now can hold their community meetings and special events in the evenings.
Acting Governor, Sammy Missen said the NIG has always maintained good working relations with all LLG's and Development partners and will continue to do so.
Missen urged all government entities and communities to work together to transform NIP.
He emphasized that having tripartite cooperation’s is the way to go especially where there is a resource company in the LLG.
“Every New Irelander, regardless of age, deserves a better quality of life and it is our duty as a government, development partners and businesses to provide that,” said Sammy Missen.