Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele on Monday has officiated at the Tina Hydro Development dam construction ground-breaking ceremony, the first large scale renewable energy project in the country.
In his commissioning statement, Prime Minister Manele said, Tina Hydro is not just a project. It is a beacon of hope and unity for our nation as it represents the commitment of the government, people of Solomon Islands and partners in transformational development.
“For years, this project has been a vision and a promise, and today it becomes a reality.”
Prime Minister Manele stated, Tina Hydro project will not only lower electricity costs but also mitigate environmental impacts by reducing carbon footprint.
Through this project, the Government aims to empower Solomon Islanders reduce household costs and making Solomon Islands a more attractive investment destination.
He adds, Tina Hydro is a testament to the strength of partnership and shared purpose between the government, international partners, tribal leaders, landowners, and the local communities.
Prime Minister Manele said, the Government for National Unity and Transformation is steadfast in its commitment to reform the energy sector.
“We are advancing necessary policy, legal, regulatory, institutional, and financial changes to create a conducive environment for projects like Tina Hydro”.
He also acknowledge the indispensable support of the project partners such as K-Water from Korea, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Green Climate Fund, EDCF from Korean Exim Bank, Australia Government and the Abu Dhabi Development Fund.
With the high cost of electricity, the Prime Minister believes the Tina Hydro Development Project is a milestone in the nation’s journey towards energy independence and resilience.
Prime Minister Manele also salute the ‘Core Land Owner’ tribal representatives, community chiefs, women and youth whose dedication, wisdom and insight to the Tina Hydro project has been outstanding.
- OPMC
