MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Power will be restored to Honiara residents after emergency repairs by
Australia to stabilise the capital's power supply.
A vital component from one of the main electricity generators in Honiara, the
capital of the Solomon Islands, has been air-freighted to Australia today, said
the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Mrs Chris Gallus.
'Many people and businesses in Honiara are suffering from widespread
electricity shortages and repairing the part will deliver much needed additional
power,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The Australian Government's aid agency, AusAID, will contribute $150,000 for
the repairs.
'Power and water are crucial for the well-being of the people and AusAID is
working with the Solomon Islands to help deliver these basic services.
'Earlier this month, critical hospital services were ensured by AusAID
arranging emergency repairs on the back-up generator at the National Referral
Hospital in Honiara.
'Safe drinking water for Honiara residents was also provided by Australia
sending a 12 month supply of chlorine to the Solomon Islands Water Authority.
'The Authority has not been able to fully purify water because of the
troubled economy.
'Reliable basic services are also important for creating an environment to
improve private sector development and investor confidence,' Mrs Gallus
said.
Media contact:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489