Projects to benefit rural communities

SIX partners have been chosen to develop clean energy projects under the Pawarim Komuniti programme, supported by the PNG-Australia partnership.
According to the Australian High Commission, the programme, launched last November, was to improve access to energy in rural communities by investing in off-grid energy projects.
“Pawarim Komuniti is part of Australia’s commitment under the PNG electrification partnership to help PNG meet its rural electrification targets,” the commission said. The six new projects will help more than 100 villages improve community lighting, water supply, cooking facilities, education and distance learning, and phone charging.
The projects will be in West Sepik, Western, Northern, Morobe and Madang.
High Commissioner Jon Philp said: “Improvements in electricity supply allows rural businesses to operate, clinics to maintain cold stores, and households to power lights, fridges and charge phones.
“We are delighted to invest in energy innovation in PNG and help forge private sector partnerships to support rural communities.”
Following the success of the first round, the second call for proposals under the Pawarim Komuniti programme is now open.
The programme targets innovative mini-grid systems, delivering retail electricity to households and critical service delivery sectors (such as health and education) and supporting small business growth.
PNG-based and international organisations can send their proposals by 5pm Friday, July 15.