Parts of Vanuatu that have been previously without electricity are set to have access to solar power under a new project launched this week.
The Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project has support from New Zealand and the World Bank.
According to the Daily Post newspaper, the project aims to electrify over 17,000 offgrid households nationwide, including 230 aid posts and 2000 community halls.
Communities in parts where there is no electricity available on the national grid will be able to have access to solar power under a 'plug and play system'.
Speaking at the project's launch, New Zealand's High Commissioner in Vanuatu, Georgina Roberts, said the system would help provide increased economic opportunities, employment and improved livelihoods.
There is little or no maintenance required for the project's solar system, the components of which are expected to have a lifespan of around 10 years.
The project was estimated to cost US$ 4.7 million.
