Vadede Tower a Lifeline for North Choiseul
Media release
Communities in Vadede, North Choiseul say their newly installed Telekom Tower, has transformed their lives, helping families, teachers and healthcare workers to stay connected.
Previously one of the most hard-to-reach areas in Choiseul, Vadede is now part of a growing network of digitally connected communities thanks to the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership with Our Telekom delivering six towers to remote areas around the country.
At Molevanga Primary School, Chairman Gerald Mingasipo said the impact on education has been life changing.
“Teachers now use their phones to plan lessons and download e-learning materials, while parents can help their children with assignments more easily,” Mr Mingasipo said. “This is a big help-especially when we don’t have many physical resources in the school.”
For years, the people of Molevanga struggled with poor or non-existent network coverage. Molevanga Tribal Chief, Lemeus Manavakana, shared how the new tower has lifted a burden from the community.
“Before, our people had to climb up hills or paddle far out to sea just to find a signal. It was frustrating and sometimes dangerous,” Chief Manavakana said. “Now we can call our families overseas or receive important news with ease. Life has truly changed for the better- we are truly thankful.”
The benefits of the new tower extend beyond education and family connectivity. Local nurses say they have begun coordinating with other clinics to provide a faster response in times of medical emergencies.
Loemuni Clinic nurse, Lucy Bose, can often consult more than 50 patient in one day. She says mobile access has allowed them to respond quickly to emergencies and coordinate patient care with the provincial hospital in Taro.
“Before, we had to travel far or send letters if we needed help. Now, I can just call the doctor if I need advice, especially for emergency cases,” Nurse Bose said.
“It’s the same with medicines-before, we used to run out of stock and had to wait for canoes or write letters to restock. Now, I just call the pharmacy when the canoe is going out. It’s much more efficient.”
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said access to mobile and internet had become a right, like clean water.
“Connecting to digital infrastructure is connecting to the future. These towers, together with the SBD1.1 billion high speed Coral Sea Cable, have opened Solomon Islands to a wealth of healthcare, education and business opportunities, strengthening communities and the economy,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“This is another Australian-supported, locally delivered project, and it’s heartening to see remote communities connected with the rest of the country and the world.”
The Australian-supported SBD36 million tower project is a direct grant to Solomon Islands Government, delivered in partnership by Our Telekom using world-class Ericsson equipment, NEC microwave links, and Australian-supplied towers. The system is backed up by hybrid solar/diesel generators.
