Three islands of Lihir- Mali, Masahet and Mahur communities, health center’s/ aid post and schools have been lit up with Solar power and lights under the New Ireland policy of Lighting Up New Ireland as a development initiative of Governor Sir Julius Chan.
Contractor JWK Ltd completed installation of six (6) 3KVA Solar System, one (1) 5KVA Solar System, thirteen (13) Solar Street Lights and six hundred and thirty two (632) Household Solar Kit on Mali and Masahet Island on the Lihir group of islands as of 8th December 2022.
In early January 2023, the contractor JWK Ltd will re- commence work on Mahur Island to install one (1) 5KVA Solar System, three (3) 3KVA Solar System and eight (8) Solar Street Lights.
Acting Governor and Tikana LLG President Sammy Missen on behalf of the New Ireland Government congratulated the Nimamar LLG for putting to good use their Special Support Grants ( SSG ).
“It is no easy feat delivering such a project. We thank the leaders of Nimamar LLG for having the vision and foresight to deliver this Solar project. We also acknowledge the diligent work of contractor JWK Ltd. We call on Newcrest mining to partner with the LLG to carryout more community impact projects like this one. It should automatically come as an obligation because you are operating on their land.” said Sammy Missen.
Locals from the project areas expressed gratitude for the Solar System and Lightings. They said, “It will now transform our local environment by lighting up the schools, health centers & aid post, churches and villages. Our community meetings and special events can also be held in the evenings.”
Acting Governor Sammy Missen said the New Ireland Government has always maintained good working relations with all LLG’s and Development partners and will continue to do so for the betterment of all New Irelanders.
“We must work together to transform NIP. Having Tripartite cooperation’s is the way to go especially where there is a resource company in the LLG. Every New Irelander, from new born’s to Lapuns, deserves a better quality of life and it is our duty as a government, development partners and businesses to provide that,” said Sammy Missen.