Solarisation project at the State House
Government of India contributes $2.4m to aid projects
IN an elegant ceremony on December 21, 2023, the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere commissioned the Solar Photovoltaic Systems installed at the State House in Suva under the 'Solarisation of the Pacific Heads of State Residences' (SHOS) Project funded by Government of India.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion included Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, and acting Secretary-General Dr Lesi Korovavala, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Pacific office (PIDF) deputy resident representative Yemesrach Workie, members of the Diplomatic Corps and senior officials from various ministries and agencies.
Government of India has so far contributed $US1.1 million ($F2.4m) through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund to the SHOS project, being implemented through Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and UNDP across 12 Pacific Island countries.
In his remarks on the occasion, H.E President Katonivere profusely thanked the Government of India for the much needed initiative to promote the adoption of Solar power and renewable energy in the Pacific region.
Describing the SHOS project as a model of the whole of society approach and effective multi-stakeholder partnership, he expressed the hope that the successful commissioning in State House would encourage more people to adopt solar power in Fiji and also show the path for Pacific countries to transition from just being energy consumers to become both energy producers and consumers.
On the occasion, a special mobile App to measure the energy generated through grid connected solar system was also launched by the Fijian President jointly with High Commissioner of India to Fiji Shri P. S. Karthigeyan and UNDP Pacific deputy resident representative Yemesrach Workie.
In Fiji, besides the State House, the Meeting Hall (Ulunivuaka) of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) and the official residence of Paramount Chief of the Kubuna Confederacy (Mataiwelagi) both in Chiefly Island of Bau were also solarised under the Government of India-funded SHOS project earlier in 2023.
The installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in other Pacific Island countries are expected to be completed early 2024.