Taiwan $8m Solar Project Question.

Andrew Fanasia Jr. Taiwan’s (ROC) first payment of SBD $8m for Solar Project for the rural communities in Solomon Islands have been questioned in terms of its sustainability and if the project is under political influences. Solomon Islands leading solar development program director Mr. David Iro told National Express in an exclusive interview yesterday that, while he support Taiwanese million dollar solar projects there are very important questions our government and the Taiwanese ambassador needs to answer. Mr. Iro questioned in what ways did our government and Taiwan as a very influential donor partner do to reach the community in Solomon Islands in terms of solar projects. He also stated that, once these million dollar solar project is in place then how will the people in rural areas sustain these projects to benefit them in the long run. He said our government, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the donor partners like Taiwan (ROC) should include private sector Company who specialized in solar dealings to carry out such vital project. Mr. Iro raised this question because according to his understanding, these projects should include trainings and other necessities for the rural people to sustain there solar in the long run. “The inclusion of such private sector will definitely help the rural communities with the sustainability of such project which include trainings and back up service for the benefit of our people,” Mr. Iro said. Meanwhile, a credible source told National Express that rural schools in the country are entitled for this solar project but it was later diverted by the government for each constituency in the country. The source confirmed that, this million dollar solar project is under political influences which he believed that most of the rural communities in the country will not benefit from it. “This SBD $8m solar project will only benefit the concern politicians constituencies rather than the whole Solomon Islands rural communities,” the Source revealed. National Express however understands that Caretaker Prime Minister Dr, Derek Sikua told Taiwan Ambassador H.E George Chan that Solomon Islands Government will remain committed to work closely with ROC (Taiwan) to strive to advance common interests for both countries during the hand over of the SBD $8m solar project funding earlier this week.