More than 800 people in Lawital community on Tanna now have access to electricity for the first time, benefiting from the 26 million Vatu Australian Off-Grid Renewabe Energy Partnerships pilot program under the REnew Pacific.

The Vanuatu-Australia Partnership stated that a total of 115 households are now connected to solar power, along with five local community centres. Ten public areas have also been fitted with solar streetlights and charging systems improving safety and access at night.

The solar energy initiative not only brings light to the community but is also a women-led project which empowers women. The project included training for local women to maintain the solar systems and has provided employment opportunities for women involved.

A local taskforce leader to the project, Napuat Kasso said this project is a great benefit to Lawital.

“It solves everything, it makes our lives easier, and our children will be very happy,” Kasso said.

Flora Vano as Country Manager of ActionAid Vanuatu said it was a longtime call for woman of Lawital.

“The women of Lawital have been calling for access to electricity so their children can do homework, to help them with cooking, and to improve safety in the community. And now with their leadership, they have made it happen,” she said.

The initiative is funded by the Australian Government, delivered through a partnership between ActionAid Vanuatu, PowerWells, and the Women i TokTok Tugeta Network – a collaboration that promotes climate solutions focused on energy access.

This development marks a major achievement for the Lawital community, where access to electricity had long been a challenge.