Island to get electricity

 THE rural electrification programme in Rabaul has been extended to the island local level government of Watom.

District works supervisor Bernie Wogan said the programme was for the district but the island was hooked up as well.

Wogan said the remaining solar panels and poles were stored at the district warehouse at Kurakakaul awaiting a technical person to set up the equipment at schools and aid posts on the island.

The programme started last year and local contractors BTK Constructions was engaged by the district administration to extend electricity services from Tavui No. 1 to Rabuana in Kabiu LLG, a distance of 9km.

The project will be delivered in three phases, with phase 1 being commissioned in May, 2012, which covered the areas starting at Tavui No. 1 and ending at Tavui No. 3, the first 3km of the project.

Phase two, now underway, covers the areas between Tavui No. 3 and Korere, while phase three will see extension from Korere to Nordup Primary School.