Samoa’s renewable energy drive boosted

By Vatapuia Maiava and Ilia L Likou 23 September 2016, 12:00AM

Samoa has taken another step forward in the fight against climate change, thanks to assistance from China.

Yesterday, Government officials from China along with Chinese Ambassador, Wang Xuefeng, met with Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and the staff of M.N.R.E. to hand over 500 sets of Solar Powered L.E.D. street lights.

Ambassador Xuefeng said the donation was the delivery of a promise to Samoa.

“Back in November, 2014, during the meeting in Nadi with Prime Minister Tuilaepa where Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed that the Chinese Government is willing to help Samoa in developing clean energy,” he said.

“Now, all the 2500 sets of L.E.D. street lights, 500 sets of Solar L.E.D. street lights, 1800 sets of L.E.D. T8 Tubes which are donated by the Chinese government have arrived in Samoa and I am glad to know that some have already been installed along streets."

The official handover marks the second phase of Technical Assistance to Address Climate Change (T.A.C.C.) project which seeks to improve the well-being and reduce impacts of climate change on the people of Samoa.

The solar street lights will be heavily dependent on the heat energy from the sun and this initiative anticipates a reduction in operation cost.

With it being independent from the utility grid, it will save more power ultimately giving Samoa a good stride on the battle against climate change.

After an opening prayer from Rev. Puletua Tapumanaia and the keynote addresses, both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chinese Ambassador signed a letter of acceptance for the 500 sets of Solar L.E.D. street lights.

By Vatapuia Maiava and Ilia L Likou 23 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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