Youth in the Tamalas community on Efate are being called on to take ownership of development projects and safeguard community assets that aim to improve livelihoods.
The reminder comes as 38 new solar-powered streetlights are currently being installed in Zone 5 of the Tamalas community.
This development follows ongoing concerns about vandalism of government-funded and community-supported infrastructure in other parts of Efate. A local chief has called on young people to understand the importance of these projects and protect them for the benefit of all.
“These lights are like our eyes—especially for us young men who use the roads at night. In the future, these lights will help us look out for our elders, mothers, and people living with disabilities,” the chief said. “These are investments that will benefit you and your families—your wives, your children. Imagine one day your child walking to the store—you won’t have to worry because the road will be lit.”
The solar streetlights were installed with the support of the Tamalas Community Safety Team, which has been actively working to improve safety and awareness in the area.
Vice Chairman of the team, Lapoa Jack Samuel, said the project was made possible through door-to-door assessments conducted over the past few months.
“The lights didn’t just appear—we started this months ago by going house to house, gathering data,” Samuel explained. “This is just the beginning. More support will come, even possibly to individual homes. There may be political interest involved, but this is our community. We installed these lights for ourselves.”
The chief reiterated that regardless of where the support comes from, all community members have a responsibility to value and care for development projects that aim to improve their daily lives.
