Japan commits $11 million for Solar Home Systems [1]
Monday, March 15, 2010 - 17:36. Updated on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 21:40.
$11 million pa'anga for the installation of new Solar Home Systems in eleven remote island communities in Vava'u and two islands off Tongatapu was committed by the Government of Japan to Tonga last week.
The funding of the project was formalised on March 12 with the Signing of the Exchange of Notes on the 'Project for Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System' between the Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele and the Japanese Ambassador in Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase in Nuku'alofa.
The project comes under a Japanese Grant Aid Program for Environment and Climate Change would provide more than 500 units of Solar Home Systems to be installed next year in the selected island communities.
The Prime Minister in his remarks thanked the Government of Japan for the aid that would provide assistance for the installation of solar lights in 11 islands in Vava'u namely; Hunga, Ovaka, Lape, Nuapapu, Matamaka, 'Otea, Falevai, Kapa, Taunga, 'Olo'ua and Ofu and 'Eueiki and 'Atata in Tongatapu.
"This signals another important milestone in our diplomatic and friendly relations with the government and the people of Japan. It's one that the people of Vava'u, 'Atata and 'Eueiki would very much appreciate."
He said the work was imperative and also commended other works in the pipeline, including the second phase of the Vaiola Hospital development that will cost USD$20 million.
On October 20, Tonga would receive the new Olovaha from Japan, added the Prime Minister.
HE Mr Yasuo Takase said this special project is not only designed for the welfare of the people in remote islands, but also for support Tonga efforts to combat international issues on climate change and environmental issues. This fiscal year the Japanese Government has established a new Grant aid scheme called the Grant Aid for Environment and Climate Change, he said.
The Grant Aid Agreement for the project was also signed between the Prime Minister and the Director of the South East Asia Pacific Division from the JICA Headquarter in Tokyo, Mr Satoru Mimura, who stated that although the light system is small it would have dramatic impact on quality of life in the islands.