Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships worked in partnership with Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA) to deliver the Kamapim Pawa project in the Torricelli Mountain Ranges of Sandaun Province.
The remote and rugged landscape of the Torricelli Mountain Ranges makes electrification an enormous challenge. In a region with minimal road access, communities face challenges accessing services such as health care, education, and economic opportunities. Many of these challenges are exacerbated by the lack of power.
TCA has been working with the landowners of the Torricelli Mountain Range for more than 17 years, supporting conservation, establishing a protected area and delivering sustainable development for communities. For many years, TCA-supported villages in the region have identified the need for solar. Community members have said for years, “mi les long stap long tudak” (“I am sick of living in the dark”).
With support from project partner, Solar Solutions, a total of 350 solar street lights were distributed throughout the villages to increase the village lighting, improving access to village facilities and benefiting everyone.
Access to improved solar products reduces dependence on burning local vegetation for lighting. This means increased quality of light after dark and lighting for community purposes, increasing safety, socialising and productive use opportunities.
The project contributed to building local capacity in organising and setting up businesses and reaffirmed the communities’ commitment to conservation of their natural environment and endangered species. The participatory approach aimed to increase community cohesion and cooperation.
Women and children benefited considerably, as the improved lighting increases their safety at night. Village solar street lights have long been supported by Perth Zoo since 2019, who also partner with TCA.
Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships is funded by the Australian Government to support access to clean energy in rural and remote communities in PNG through partnerships that promote energy innovation.
View the video below highlights community members’ perspectives on the impacts of this project.
