Solar Power Benefits Children of Dromuna
Studying under kerosene lanterns and torches will now be a hinderance of the past for the children of Dromuna Village in Tailevu.
This is after a $10,000 solar electrification project was installed at the village’s community hall on Saturday.
The project was undertaken by the Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset with the assistance of a few other sponsors. It was initiated by the club’s president, Vinod Mistry, in August last year.
The village has about 20 homes including a primary school catering for about 90 students.
With no electricity, villagers rarely get in contact with their loved ones. It was also a hindrance during study time for the children.
During the handover of the project, Mr Mistry thanked the village headman Tomasi Tokalauvere for allowing the club to partner with them.
“The system includes solar panels, inverter units, storage battery and lights and power outlets in the community hall,” said Mr Mistry.
“Now that the solar panel kit has been successfully commissioned, every child in the village will be able to read, write and study in the evenings, the villagers are now able to charge their mobile phone devices and connect with the rest of the world.”
He said a chest fridge was also gifted to the village by Rotarian, Champak Kapadia.
Mr Tokalauvere expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the members of the club including Techno Fiji PTE Ltd for the installation of the solar electrification project.
He said due to the village’s remote location it would take many years before Energy Fiji Limited could reach out and supply electricity, the project was a much-needed blessing.
The Rotary Club is looking forward to doing more similar projects to serve the local Fijian communities.