Japan funds $2.5m micro hydropower plant on Malaita

Falake Community in West Kwara’ae, Malaita will benefit from a $2.5m project which will see the installation of Micro Hydropower Plant to be funded by Japan.

This assistance will provide access to affordable and sustainable energy for people in Falake following the Grassroots & Human Security Project Grant Contract Signing today.

The Ambassador of Japanese Embassy to Solomon Islands Miwa Yoshiaki said one of the priority areas under the Grassroots and Human Security Scheme is providing essential infrastructure.

He said the Micro Hydropower Plant is an essential infrastructure for driving economic growth and for supporting people’s wellbeing.

This project also aims to achieve SDG 7 “A Goal for Sustainable Energy”.

Miwa said the Japanese Government supports this SDG 7 by providing financial support in making sure the community has access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy sources.

He added that the investment in this field is a critical component of strengthening social economic development and resilience in this country.

“Therefore, we believe that this project will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands.  And hopefully it will strengthen further cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan,” said the ambassador.

He underscored that one of the important point of this project is participation and contribution of the community.

“The community should be the moving force of the project. With the commitment of the community, we are confident that the project will be successfully and smoothly carried out and reach the ultimate goal. I sincerely hope that this project will be remembered as a symbol of the friendship between the people of Japan and Solomon Islands in the years to come,” he said.

A rep from the community has thanked the Japanese government assured their support behind the project in its implementation.