Communication System handed over to Sikaiana Island

SIKAIANA – 31ST OCTOBER 2024. The Government through the Climate Change Division within the Ministry Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) this morning handed over a telecommunication system powered by a 3kva solar PV system, 2 desktop computers, a deep freezer and a refrigerator, three water tanks and all its fittings as well as a survey permanent marker to the community of Sikaiana Island in the Malaita Province.

The handing over of these items came about following an Integrated Vulnerability Assessment conducted on the island back in 2019.

The communication system (already setup) along with the computers, the water tanks, refrigerator, deep freezer are be placed at Tapuaki community high school where the islands clinic is also located.

Delivering her speech at the handing over today Permanent Secretary for MECDM Ms Susan Sulu said due to the geographical isolation of the Island the people of Sikaiana have faced many challenges including the mounting impacts of climate change, limited access to reliable communication which hinders effective and quick respond to emergencies and other illegal activities such as sighting of illegal fishing vessels.

PS Sulu added that todays handing over, especially with the solar powered communication system the people of Sikaiana will now be connected with the rest of the country and the rest of the world. It will ensure that timely assistance will reach the people and provide a bridge that transcends distance and isolation.

“The handing over of the communication system holds profound importance. It stands as a testament of our government’s commitment to the people and the principles of inclusivity unity and reaching the most vulnerable citizens”

Expressing her appreciation PS Sulu thanked everyone involved in ensuring the project comes to reality. She especially thanked the Climate Change Division who led the mission with determination for the last 4 years, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with funding support from the Republic of Korea for making the trip possible and all other supporting agencies within government who also take part in this multi-sectorial mission. She extended her appreciation to the technical teams from Superfly, Satsol, ICTSU for making this a reality.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be SBD1 million dollars.

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-MECDM