ALM UNDP

Summary:

The outer islands of Tonga are home to a significant proportion of Tonga's population. The Government of Tonga sees the provision of improved infrastructure services, including basic electrification facilities, as an important factor in creating a more attractive environment in the outer islands, thus helping to mitigate urban drift to the main island, and overseas. The Tongan Government asked New Zealand to fund an electrification feasibility study for the Niua islands. NZAID commissioned a feasibility analysis of various electrification options for the two major islands of the Niuas in 2001-2002 including the financial, economic, social, environmental and institutional aspects of electrification projects in the Niuas. The analysis concluded that the Niuas favour the use of solar power. As populations are small and scattered, there is a consequent low power demand, and the isolated islands are difficult to access. The study recommended distributed (such as individual household) solar electrification as an appropriate solution for Niuafo'ou, which is the most remote island in Tonga. Final design and construction is underway. While the project is currently proceeding from design to implementation it is too early to call it a success; however, the project has been evaluated as being on track for successful conclusion. Key indicators include: * The concept arose from the island communities' own decision-making and design was undertaken in a locally appropriate, participatory way. * The activity will meet the local communities' desired outcomes and will be implemented according to a locally developed approach (for example, as part of the project small committees will be set up in each village to operate and manage the solar power scheme; also the power project will provide lighting for village community halls in the evenings which will assist with holdings of meetings and other community gatherings). * There is also an education and training component (there will be training of individuals on Niuafo'ou in the management, operation/maintenance of generating parts, and securing supplies of consumables; and also there will be some upskilling of the Energy Planning Unit personnel who will be supervising the setting up of the project and monitoring its progress over the longer term).