The Kakondo community, in the Simbu province, now has access to lighting following the successful installation of a solar lighting project.

The project, which was funded by Puma Energy Foundation, is managed by Kakondo Solar Energy Life (KaSEL) and benefits 50 households.

As part of the project, a total of 60 streetlights along the community highway were installed along with a renewable solar power station, were installed at a newly built community resource center (CRC). Also included in the project are new communal areas.

The community resource centre will be used as a hub for training, meetings, youth engagement, digital access, and community coordination.

The installations of the solar lights along the streets and at the resource center address the community’s immediate need for adequate lighting in key areas and services locations. This is a common issue across many rural communities in Papua New Guinea and is accessible only to 20% of the population.

“This initiative now provides reliable and clean energy, not only powering the facility but also extending electricity supply within a 100-meter radius to over 50 households -demonstrating a replicable model for rural solar electrification,” said KaSEL Chairman Mauro Okrupa.

“Additionally, the funding enabled the installation of 60 solar streetlights strategically placed across 36 traditional houses, schools, aid posts, and public marketplaces throughout the Kakondo tribal communities.

“These developments have greatly enhanced safety, improved livelihoods, strengthened community resilience and provide job creation opportunities.”

Port Moresby Charity Committee representative, Olivia Lam, said: “The Puma Energy Foundation partners with organizations that provide clean and reliable energy to rural households.

 “Without energy, communities cannot tackle issues like high energy cost, public safety concerns, poverty and public health. This is why the Foundation invests in providing clean energy and eco-friendly infrastructure to address these challenges.”

To foster sustainable livelihood opportunities, stronger local capacity and access to clean energy, the Puma Energy Foundation has been working with partners over the last three years to empower entrepreneurs and young people.

The first community funded project saw the successful construction of a 4-in-1 classroom on Pirtop Island in East New Britain Province. This classroom is now providing a clean and secure learning environment for more than 100 students. This is the second Puma Foundation community funded project in PNG.