NILA community in Shortlands, Western Province, now has access to reliable telecommunication services.
This follows an official launch of a new tower last week to enhance telecommunication connectivity in the region.
Our Telekom service is provided through the tower.
The official launching and handing over ceremony of the new tower was held on Wednesday.
The ceremony was graced with the attendance of the Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton, Minister of Police and National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanaganda and Australia’s Defense Advisor to Solomon Islands, Colonel Justin Bywater, Minister of Home Affairs and Member of Parliament (MP) for Shortlands, Isikeli Tuwai Vave, Solomon Telekom Board Chairman Baoro Laxon Koraua, village chiefs, church leaders and community members.
The presence of the new tower is expected to improve mobile network coverage and internet access for residents, facilitating better communication for both personal and business use.
The project reflects government’s commitment to ensuring the rural communities have access to better communication infrastructure and contribute to economic growth.
Three more additional towers are expected to be launched later in Kariki and Komeleai -both in the Shortlands – and one in Wadede, Choiseul Province.
Speaking at the event, Our Telekom Board Chairman Mr Koraua congratulated the Nila station, the surrounding communities and Western Province for this remarkable achievement.
“It truly symbolizes innovation and progress in your province and showcases the collaborative effort and vision that have driven this project from inception to completion.
“Today is not merely the inauguration of a tower, it is a beacon of hope for the advancement of connectivity across our islands,” he said.
Mr Koraua said the tower will be a critical infrastructure component that will improve internet access and mobile network coverage within that region.
“Connectivity also means safety for our fishermen at sea in times of need and trouble,” he said.
Mr Koraua added that this tower is one of the six towers that Australia has funded to serve as a bridge and effectively connect all islands within the Western borders.
He said communication is essential for education, healthcare access, economic development, social interaction and enhanced maritime security as well as helping remote communities.
“It will improve the accessibility of educational resources online for students and equip local entrepreneurs with necessary tools for digital commerce, not only in urban areas but also throughout the entirety of Solomon Islands.”
Mr Koraua acknowledged the Barora Landowning Groups for their invaluable cooperation during this process.
“Your desire to communicate with us shows that you have a common goal of advancing development that will help both individual landowners and entire communities,” he added.
A total of four towers are being erected in the Western Province and one in Choiseul Province.
Two more towers are planned for erection – one in Kia, Isabel Province, and the other in Pelau in the Malaita Outer Islands of Malaita Province.
Funding for the towers, which is worth AUD 7.7 million, comes from the Australian government through a collaboration between the Solomon Islands Government and Our Telekom.
Most of the community residents have acknowledged the service.
During the launch, mobile handsets were also sold to the villagers.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
