Esa’ala district eyes better telecommunication links

 ESA’ALA district in Milne Bay will benefit from an improved telecommunication service.  

Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven, Digicel director government business Gary Seddon and Esa’ala district administrator Confucius Ikoirere signed an agreement last week to build two towers in the 

district. With Milne Bay being a maritime province, Esa’ala is also accessible by sea. 

Transport by dinghy and commercial ships link the Esa’ala district headquarters and Salamo, on Fergusson Island with East Cape and Alotau on the mainland. 

Ikoirere said the towers would benefit the neighbouring district of Kiriwina-Goodenough.

“Communication service is a vital lifeline in Milne Bay, especially it being a maritime province,” Ikoirere said.

“Most of the people travel using dinghies and encounter problems out in open seas. 

“Communication is a key to improving safety in the district as well as the province.”

Seddon said building towers would be a collaborative effort between Digicel and the government.

A total of K2 million was committed by the Esa’ala district and Digicel for the towers.

Steven said: “The two towers will give at least 90% communication coverage on the islands. 

“This infrastructure development will be well received by people in the area.”